Socks in a Week (Actually 8 Days)

The woman who taught me to knit posted on her blog that she was planning on participating in a KAL.  It is to knit socks in a week, though actually eight days. 

When I read it, there was really just the idea with more info to come.   So I figured cool.  Let's do it.

When I checked in again, closer to the date, the pattern was very specific.  Cuff down & magic loop done one sock at a time. Ummm...

I tried one sock at a time again recently.  And what I learned was it doesn't work for me.  I want to check out of the process after one sock is done. 

Also, I like toe-up.  I like using as much yarn as I can or stopping where it feels right.  With cuff down, I always stop too soon because I think I will run out of yarn.  Even when I weight the yarn & *know* I have enough.  So I have learned that toe-up makes me happier.

So I decided to follow along the dates but not the pattern.  I figured I was following it in spirit if not to the letter.  Or maybe that is just me justifying.  *grin*

I cast on the socks Sunday, the 29th.  I got started in the car on the way to see family in CT for the holidays.  It was going well.  I got most of the way done with the increases on the trip up there.  All good. 

The trip home was in the dark.  I decided that since it was stockinette with just a few more increases I could do it.  Wrong.  *sigh*  I was trying to use my phone as a light and not blind DH while he was driving in the rain.  Yet it wasn't the increases that got me.  I was feeling it and realized I had dropped a stitch.  *sigh*  So it had to wait until I got home.  Ah well.

I was off until New Years which was Weds..  So there was plenty of knitting time.  Of course.  Right... 

Ummm.  Except one snag.  We got some used instruments for Rock Band for the Wii.  And that meant a whole lot of silliness with that.  It was a lot of fun, but it also meant I didn't knit as much as I thought I would.

Yesterday it was back to the office.  I knit for a little while last night.  But I have been fighting crud for a few days now.  So DH & I watched one show.  Then I headed to bed.  So probably less than an hour of knitting tops.

So as things stand, I think I am ready to start the increases for the heel.  But frankly, unless I do nothing but knit for the next 50+ hours, I really doubt they will get done.  I am going to give it a try, but seems doubtful.

Mind you, I think that I shouldn't ever have believed the blogger when she said it takes 14 hours to knit a pair of socks.  She insists she is a slow knitter.  That for only an hour & 40 minutes a day, you could bang out socks. 

Maybe I am an even slower knitter.  And maybe the two socks on two circs method is slower.  But other than only knitting an hour or so last night, I really have put in at least two hours of knitting the other four days of the KAL.  Some days not much more.  But I think at least one of the days it was closer to four hours.

And I am only 2/3rd of the way done with the feet...  So I have serious doubts. 

Ah well.  Either way, I will have socks and that is ultimately what matters, right?

So of course, being a crazy woman...  I found a group on Ravelry for 12 pairs in 2014.    They started in 2012.  They have a loose attitude and really just seem to be about making as many socks in a year as you want.  They have a vote on patterns each month.  But any month you can always knit what you feel like it.  So just my kind of KAL.

Knowing me, I may pigback it to the Sock Knitters Anonymous group. SKA does different themes each month as well as a couple designers.  One of the January themes is lace, another intarsia...  So you see how board that is!  One of the designers is Stephanie van der Linden.  I have been looking at her patterns for ages & even have a book of her patterns a friend gave me.  Though I also think her patterns require solid yarns which for all my sock yarn stash I actually lack!  *chuckle*

I should review my 2013 goals & try again for 2014.  But today is not that day.  I am gonna post this and then go enjoy the snow day with the kids as the work day is nearly done.  Luckily I was working from home today!  It is beastly out there.

KAL - Two Socks in a Week

I can't believe it has been 11 months since I posted here!!  *shakes head*  You should see the amount of posts I started & never finished.  Or maybe you really shouldn't...  *blush*

I will keep this short to make sure it actually gets posted!

The wonderful woman who taught me to knit, posted about a KAL in her blog.
http://www.motherhoodispainless.com/2013/11/knit-along-with-k-line.html

The KAL post is here:
http://line4line.blogspot.com/2013/11/two-socks-one-week-lets-do-this-thing.html

Project Week runs from Dec. 29 - Jan 5.  Though as the author points out, that is in fact 8 days.  Works for me.

I am terribly sad as three pairs of socks have died on me within the past two months!  Two were out of Tri'Cotrie.  So while I adore her yarn, I think that any remaining TriC yarn will not go anywhere near my feet.  *sigh*

Last winter I had at least two other pairs of socks die.  So I desperately need socks. 

I have a pair on the needles along with a sweater for DH & fingerless mitts for me.  The home office is frigid!  I need them most of all.  And DH's sweater is from *last year's* goals!  *laugh*

Worth trying to bang out a pair!

(Edited to add active links.  Kinda thought posting it would do that!)

Lady Mary Rivulets Socks

Project Name:

Lady Mary Rivulets Socks

Think the color is between these images. The ones on the feet are a bit dark but the flat ones are a bit light.  I tried to tweak them, but that is the problem with taking pics at night with a flash!

(I have tried multiple times to place more photos, but it isn't working.  *sigh*  I am giving up.  If you want more pics, check out the Flickr set.)

Cast On:

May 30, 2012

 

Completed:

June 26, 2012

Pattern:

Rivulets Socks by Wendy D. Johnson

http://wendyknits.net/wp-content/uploads/Rivulets-Socks.pdf

Made for:

Me - Size 9 shoe

Needles:

2 socks on two circs (Knitpicks one Harmony, one Options - makes it easy to tell which to use)

US 0 - 2.0 mm

US 1½ - 2.5 mm (went up at the ankle & leg as I have thick ankles & calves)

Yarn:

Storied Yarns Superwash Sock in the Lady Mary's Red Gowns aka Lady Edith's Dinner Used 0.92 skeins = 425.0 yards (have 8 grams left)

Purchased at http://storiedyarns.etsy.com

The gauge on this pattern is definitely off! I am glad I looked at others who made them.

My gauge is 9 sts per inch where the pattern says 8 sts per inch. I worked the largest size and found that with my gauge they were a good fit.

For the toes, I used Judy’s Magic Cast On. For the toe increases, I used Cat Bordhis’ LLink & LRink. Love them for the toe-up socks. Other than that. I am following the pattern. gasp I would have given the pattern 5 stars if not the gauge issue.

I debated a lot what I wanted to do for this yarn. I think this pattern is a lovely pairing. Almost looks a bit like fire with the red. smile

I love that it is a both solid & lacey. The almost zigzag of it really does speak to the qualities of Lady Mary herself. A bit perplexing yet also very lovely. Almost fiery in the design but with that steady subdued nature somehow.grin

I was concern about the yarn pooling, but it looks lovely. The gold & brown formed interesting patterns. I really like it.

I think the foot is a bit short. I knit to 2 1/2” shy of when it said to start the gusset. But it still seems a bit short on the foot. It fits snuggly which I like. Just a bit worried about the toe wearing out though.

I knit the heel flap higher than the pattern said, but that is something I like to do as I wear shoes with a high back & don’t like it wearing out at that spot.

All in all, I am really happy with them. They look good and are comfy.

Had 8 grams left over.  I knit them as high as I wanted.  There is just a good deal of yardage in the skein!

Finished Objects

I am overdue on posting some finished objects! I completed them a while ago. But things just keep popping up that need my attention. So I hadn't gotten the chance til now.

Sad thing is, I have another FO that I haven't taken pics of. Not to mention some stash that I got at the Smiley's sale. Between work and baby/pregnancy stuff, there aren't enough hours in the day! amnesia

Gothic Temptress Socks

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Cast On:
April 4 2009

Completed:
May 10 2009

Pattern:
Gothic Temptress by Janine Le Cras (Ravelry Only)
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gothic-temptress

Made for:
Me

Size:
9" circumference, 9 1/4" long

Needles:
US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony
2 socks on 2 circs

Yarn:
Knit Picks Essential in Black
3 skeins = 693.0 yards (633.7m)
Purchased at Knit Picks
http://www.knitpicks.com

I cast these on for April Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL. It fits both pattern possibilities. It is knee high and under appreciated.

I picked up the yarn especially for this pattern. I looked forward to making them. They were an easy knit as there is a lot of stockinette. So it definitely helped. But given they are knee highs, they still took a while.

I also am glad they fit both criteria as I could run out of yarn before I get to knee highs. I have big calves! Luckily, I didn’t run out and they go all the way to the knees.

I added extra stitches to the increases to help them fit my calves. So I ended up with about 10-12 more stitches than the pattern called for. It was easy to do given that they are toe-up. So I just kept trying them on, adding increases as needed.

I put elastic at the top edge to help them stay up. And I am very glad I didn't sew the picot edging at the top too tight. They fit well.

I need to buy the ribbon to lace through the back. I like the way they look even without that. But the ribbon will make them really special.

It is so hard to show the detail with black yarn. There is a picot edging at the top and there are some cables that form Os where the ribbon will be laced.

All in all, a satisfying finished project.


February Baby Bonnet

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Cast On:
May 8 2009

Completed:
May 9 2009

Pattern:
Taken from imajypsee’s february baby bonnet project (Ravelry Only):
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/imajypsee/february-baby-bonnet

Made for:
Kiddle

Needles
US 4 / 3.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Knit Picks Shine Sport in Cherry
~0.5 skeins = 55.0 yards (50.3m)
Purchased at Knit Picks
http://www.knitpicks.com

I wanted a matching hat for the February sweater I made for the kiddle on the way. I thought the picture showed one. It did. But of course it being Elizabeth Zimmermann, she didn't say how. Just that she knit it. *sigh*

Luckily, during my grumblings about EZ, Silvercat pointed out that some on Ravelry had probably already come up with a pattern for it. A search on February bonnet in projects in Ravelry turned up many projects. The one I liked best was one by imajysee. She was kind enough to put the instuctions in her project description. So I was off and knitting.

Given the size, it was a quick knit. And it is a good, straight forward pattern. I love the way it came out.

And yes, I know Bear's ears ruin the lines of it. But the kiddle won't be out til Sept.. So I will have to wait for her to wear it. *grin* And Bear is a very patient model.

There is more I should share. But if I do not post this, I don't know when I will. And it might wait around several more days! So two finished objects down. Still have another I need to take pics of as well as some yarn pics. Whee.

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.

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!

Reptilian Lace Socks in Handpainted Yarn

I finally got around to taking pics of these socks! I had been meaning to for nearly a week. But my darling hubby had been tender from having two cysts removed. So I didn't want to trouble him to help me. It is kinda funny doing them myself. Propping the camera up on something and then bending over to snap the pic. *laugh* So the pics aren't as good as they usually are. But hey, they are done! *grin*

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Cast On:
January 11 2009

Completed:
February 4 2009

Pattern:
Reptilian Lace by Sivia Harding
http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTreptilianlace.html

Made for:
Me - 9" circumference, 9 1/4" long

Needles:
Knitpicks Options & Harmony needles in US 3 / 3.25 mm, US 2 / 2.75 mm & US 1 / 2.25 mm
2 socks on 2 circs


Yarn:
Cosmic Fibers Bamboo Sock in Black Orchid - Dyed by me, not Dharmahey
0.9 skeins = 346.5 yards (316.8m)
Purchased at Dharmafey's Cosmic Fibers http://cosmicfibersyarn.etsy.com


I was debating what to do for the January Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL. I could do either socks with beads, an online pattern or the beaded mystery sock. I was tempted by the mystery sock. But that would have required going out and buying more beads. I really didn’t want to do that given I have a lot of beads sitting around unused.

These are socks with beads strung onto the yarn. So they are smaller than the ones I would have needed to the mystery sock. Though I want to do those some other time.

This actually fits in the KAL in two ways. It is a beaded sock & it is an online pattern. *grin*

I did write the moderator to make sure bead knitting was also okay. From what I have read, beaded knitting can mean that the bead is slid onto the stitch vs. bead knitting where the beads are stung onto the yarn. She said any sock with beads were fine.

I was curious how these will fit. The gauge says 36-sts, but then only has you cast on 66 sts. I started with a size 3 needle in hopes they would fit okay. With all the yarn overs & such, I think they will fit just fine on the leg. I went down to a size two as I got closer to the heel. And then I went down to a size one needle for the foot so it would be a tighter fit.

The funny part is that I actually wound my Schaefer Heather into balls with the intention that I would use that for the January project. But after looking at some patterns, I decided I really liked this one. I went looking in my stash for a yarn that could work well. And this one grabbed my eye as a great match.

I suspect I should have done silver beads instead of gold/copper ones I used. But I like the way the beads play off the purples. I think it does make the black look more brown. But I think they are nice.

I wish the beads had been a larger size though. The pattern said to use a larger bead size, but I have a lot of beads and didn’t want to buy more. So I used seed beads. They don’t show up a lot, but there is a nice shimmer there.

I like the way they came out. It is a nice pattern and was pretty easy.

I didn't notice until this morning that these socks match my handspun shawl pretty well! *chuckle* It is the black, purple & burgundy combo I like so much. I really think I dyed this yarn before I ordered the fiber that I used for my shawl. Too funny!

Works in Progress

This morning, I just finished plying the lovely alpaca I bought from northstaralpacas.etsy.com. It is a deep chocolate brown plied with black. It is for my friend Meredith's present. (Started off Xmas, but switched to her birthday which is on the 28th of this month.) I will soak it to set the twist when I get home. I hope it doesn't take too long to dry. I need to get to some knitting.

Of course, I haven't decided *what* exactly I am knitting with it yet. I know some sort of scarf. But other than that, I am not sure. I also have a single of spun silk that I did with my spindle. I am thinking about using that as trim on the scarf. I need to place them side by side now that the alpaca is plied to make certain it is the right choice. But I think so.

So I think there is another scarf in the future. I am not sure if I will just design something simple myself or if I want to find a pattern to use. Though in perusing patterns I have favorited on Ravelry, I came across the Yarn Harlot One Row Handspun Scarf. I am thinking that could be a good choice. Hmmmm.

Of course, I have to have socks on my needles. Things wouldn't be right unless I did. *chuckle*

Reptilian Lace Socks in Handpainted Yarn

Cast On:
January 11 2009

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Pattern:
Reptilian Lace by Sivia Harding

Made for:
Me - 9" circumference, 9 1/4" long

Needles:
US 3 / 3.25 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony - 2 socks on 2 circs

Yarn:
Cosmic Fibers Bamboo Sock in Black Orchid Dyed by Me
Purchased at Dharmafey's Cosmic Fibers


I was debating what to do for the January Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL on Ravelry. I could do either socks with beads, an online pattern or the beaded mystery sock. I was tempted by the mystery sock. But that would have required going out and buying more beads. I really didn’t want to do that given I have a lot of beads sitting around unused.

These are socks with beads strung onto the yarn (aka bead knitting). So they are smaller than the ones I would have needed to the mystery sock. Though I want to do those some other time.

This actually fits in the KAL in two ways. It is a beaded sock & it is an online pattern. *grin*

I did write the moderator to make sure bead knitting was also okay. From what I have read, beaded knitting can mean that the bead is slid onto the stitch vs. bead knitting where the beads are stung onto the yarn. She said any sock with beads were fine.

I am curious how these will fit. The gauge says 36-sts, but then only has you cast on 66 sts. I went with a size 3 needle in hopes they will fit okay. With all the yarn overs & such, I think they will fit just fine on the leg. I might have to go down a needle size for the feet or even sooner. I will see how loose they are after the first repeat and then again for the feet.

The funny part is that I actually wound my Schaefer Heather into balls with the intention that I would use that for this month's project. But after looking at some patterns, I decided I really liked this one. I went looking in my stash for a yarn that could work well. And this one grabbed my eye as a great match.

I suspect I should have done silver beads instead of gold/copper ones I used. But I like the way the beads play off the purples. I just fear it might make the black look more brown. But I think they will be nice. *crosses fingers*


Beaded Evening Bag/Purse

So I am putting this with my WIP as there are still some things I really need to do before I see my friend.

Cast On:
December 6 2008

Knitting Finished:
December 21 2008
Still needs lining, closure, etc.

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Pattern:
Designed by me

Made for:
My Friend Karen

Size:
6 3/4" x 9"

Needles:
US 2 1/2 / 3.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Kraemer Yarns Sterling Silk & Silver in Tuxedo Colorway
Around 1/2 skeins = 200 yards
Purchased at The Point in New York, New York

This one has been nearly done for ages now. I just need to add the bead to close it & some internal stuff. But the knitting was done on Sunday, Dec. 21st. Don't think I block it until a week or so later. Just so lazy. *chuckle*

I wanted to make a beaded evening bag for a friend as a present.

I didn’t want to do the super fine seed beads. I wanted something that was knit but with beads as an accent. I couldn’t find anything that I thought would work for my friend.

I came across the Kraemer Yarns Sterling Silk & Silver yarn at my LYS. I knew it would be perfect as my friend loves black & silver.

I picked up some beads to work into the project. Then I sat down and started trying to chart something I thought would work. I have tweaked the pattern several times.

I need to make the changes to the chart & share it. I think it looks good and could work well for others. The thing I like was that I could use different beads I have had around for a while.

Two New Projects

With the Deleted Expletive socks completed, I should have been wise and picked a simple pattern, right? Why would I do that? *grin*

The Sock Knitter Anonymous KAL for January has either a sock with beads, a pattern from an online magazine or the beaded mystery sock.

I was considering doing the mystery sock. But it is a beaded knit where you place the bead on the stitch. Problem was I would have to go out and by more beads. I figured that was probably a bad idea. I have a ton of beads hanging around that I haven't used. Seems silly to go get more. Also, I feel like I just recently tried that type of beading with Karen's beaded purse (which I need to do some finishing work on before I can say it is 100% done).

So I figured I would like to try bead knitting. The difference is that string the beads onto the yarn & move them up when you are ready for them. So they are strung on the yarn itself.

The advantage was that I can use beads I already have. The disadvantage was that it took eons to string 180 beads per sock. Of course, being me, I added extra to be sure. *laugh* The beads I have were cheap so they aren't 100% regular. So sometimes the hole was too small. So I had to take them off the thread & needle. It took hours to do it. But thank heavens they are all on there!

The nice thing is I can now knit these anywhere. With beaded knitting, I have to be able to slip the bead onto a stitch with a crochet hook. This is not something I really wanted to do anywhere but sitting at home. With the bead knitting, the project is easily portable as they are all on the yarn. So there aren't any extra tools. And you don't have to worry about dropping beads. Which believe me, I can't tell you how many times I did that with Karen's purse! *laugh*

I decided on the Reptilian Lace Socks from Knitty. These means I am actually doing two of the three possible options for the KAL. *chuckle* I am hoping the pattern will go well. *crosses fingers*

Reptilian Lace Socks in Handpainted Yarn

Pattern:

Reptilian Lace by Sivia Harding

http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTreptilianlace.html

Made for:

Me - 9" circumference, 9 1/4" long

Needles:

US 3 / 3.25 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony - 2 socks on 2 circs

Yarn:

Cosmic Fibers Bamboo Sock in Black Orchid - Dyed by me, not Dharmahey

385.0 yards in stash

Purchased at Dharmafey's Cosmic Fibers

The funny part is that I actually wound my Schaefer Heather into balls with the intention that I would use that for this month’s project. But after looking at some patterns, I decided I really liked this one. I went looking in my stash for a yarn that could work well. And this one grabbed my eye.

I am curious how these will fit. The gauge says 36-sts, but then only has you cast on 66 sts for a medium. Seems kinda small to me. I went with a size 3 needle in hopes they will fit okay. I might have to go down a needle size for the feet. But I will see.

I suspect I should have done silver beads instead of gold/copper ones I used. But I like the way the beads play off the purples. I just fear it might make the black look more brown. I think they will be nice. And given I have put 200+ beads on each ball of yarn, it ain't coming off! *grin*

I good right off the bat and had to rip out everything after only doing 3 rows, but all the cast on stitches as well. It was better to correct it though. I just hate ripping things out. I read the pattern wrong and given the first three rows are the same, I made the same error for all the rows. *shakes head* Ah well.

I think these will be interesting. Lace, cables & beads! A lot going on. Yet, I don't think they look too busy.

Also, I think it will look good with this colorway I dyed. It will really show it off. And given it is a bamboo/superwash/nylon blend, it works out fine that they will have to be handwashed. Mind you, 95% of the time I handwash all my socks. But I still have dreams about someday tossing some in the washing machine. *grin*

The other project I started is a scarf/wrap in the luscious handspun I created with the cashmere/merino/silk batt I got from Winderwood Farm on etsy. http://winderwoodfarm.etsy.com

Scarf/Wrap in Handspun for Xmas Present

Pattern:

Three Way Scarf by Sarah Wilson

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/three-way-scarf-3

Made for:

Karen

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

Handspun Yarn by Me from Custom Cashmere/Merino/Silk Batt in black & grey

433.0 yards in stash

Purchased at Winderwood Farm on etsy - http://winderwoodfarm.etsy.com

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This yarn was spun by me from a batt that is 45% Cashmere/45% Merino/10% Silk. It was custom blended for me by Winderwood Farm on etsy. Was expecting all black, but they mixed this saying I could skip it if I didn't like it. I really love it.

The fiber spins like a dream. I want to keep it for myself. But I order if for a friend's Karen's present.

It came out to 15 WPI, the thinnest yarn I have plied yet. Some places say that is sport. Others say fingering. I think it is probably closer to sport given it is spun woolen, so there is loft to it. Super soft & petable.

I decided to go down to a size 7 needle for this pattern because my friend is always too cold. So I didn’t want it to be too open a weave, otherwise it would never keep her warm. And if you knew Karen, you would understand how critical that is!

I confess I have to see how this comes out after a couple repeats. I like the pattern. But I need to see if it will work for my friend. I want her to be warm as she recently moved back to the Northeast after being in AZ for many years! So it being warm is really critical. So it might get ripped if it doesn't feel like it will be warm enough.

Or... *lightbulb goes off over head* I can use the pattern more as a template. Keep a few repeats of the lacier pattern at the edges & just knit the center in something solid (either stockinette or garter). If I do that, I would probably go up a needle size. But I think it could work well to keep in the warmth. Hmmmm. Nice to know there are options other than rip it all out! Am I a lazy knitter or what? *laugh*

Speaking of presents, I actually need to go try and find a Christmas present for a friend. I am working on something handspun & knit for her. Problem is I am seeing her sooner than I had anticipated. So I need a present for her for Thursday! Oops. Given her birthday is on the 28th, I can just give her the project for then. It is sad as I am close! But not Thursday close! *chuckle*

Deleted Expletive Socks

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Cast On:

December 24 2008

Completed:

January 10 2009

Pattern:

Firestarter by Yarnissima

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/firestarter

Made for:

Me - 9" circumference, 9 1/4" long

Needles:

US 3 / 3.25 mm Knitpicks Option & Harmony - 2 socks on 2 circs

Yarn:

Fibranatura Yummy in 41360 - Black & Grey

~0.9 skeins = 333.0 yards (304.5m)

Purchased at Kiwi Knitting Co. in Tucson, Arizona (vacation yarn!)

I cast these on for the Dec. 08 Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL. Also I figured it would be good car during the holidays.

The name Deleted Expletive comes from my comments while making these socks. My hubby said I had to name them that. *grin*

I confess I had a great deal of trouble with the way the pattern is written. The foot says toe repeat the chart 5 times. However, the chart shows 9 rows, one of which is a gusset increase. *blink* In checking, some people say you repeat rows 1-8, others say 2-8. I went with rows 2-8 since they are boxed in red.

The gusset was okay except the explanation of the pattern in between the outer edges. My gusset insert looks nothing like the photos. Again, it would have helped a great deal if the pattern had explained this more clearly. It just says to do the row 9 repeat which is only 9 stitches. Problem is that you are adding a stitch every two rows as part of the chart. So it changes the pattern!

Then the pattern has a cable along the side of the cuff. That was clear. Then it says do pattern repeat 9. Right. After that? The pattern doesn't specify anything about how to complete the leg! I had to guess based on the pictures on Ravelry. It appears to be similar to the ribbing that is on the leg (expect it is ktbl, p1 instead of p2).

I am hoping that the lack of description in the pattern is simply about the fact that English doesn't seem to be the author's native language. The sad part is that the *design* is attractive and unique. But the pattern instructions really left me scratching my head. The design isn't challenging in the knitting. Just in the descriptions (or lack there of).

I am not a novice sock knitter. Perhaps the author just doesn't state things in a way that is clear to me. Others haven't had as much trouble so who knows. Perhaps it is just me... *shrugs*

The finished product is attractive. Now that I get what the idea is, I might even be tempted to try it again. Though I have my doubts. So many patterns, so little time! *grin*

Dyed Yarn & Xmas Knitting

Here are some pics of the Lily Elite Cotton yarn I dyed over the weekend.

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Some are much lighter after they dried than I anticipated. But I am pretty happy overall with the colors. Other than the red. It is a bit too light for my tastes. Problem was I ran low on the Fire Red dye that I was using. I added some fuscia red dye to it. But it still seems to pale. But it is bright enough that I think it will be good as a Christmas red. *crosses fingers*

I dyed it with the intention of creating dish cloths/towels for some people as Xmas presents. I hope that will be enough. I confess I am feeling tapped out money wise. So that may be all some people get. Though I am betting other people are in a similar situation this year. So I am not going to stress it.

(I can post this on here because non-knitters I know do not read this. And if you are a knitter who will be getting a present from me, you should know this won't be your present! *grin*)

I started with one for my sister-in-law. Only to rip the entire thing out and pick another pattern.

The first pattern I picked was:

http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/smocked.html

Pretty, but I realized the carried over strands that are picked up are a terrible idea for a dish towel! It would get caught on anything like utensils and such! Not sure why so many people have made that one on Ravelry. I think it would be fine as a washcloth, but not a dishcloth in my opinion.

I end up doing this one instead:

http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/ostplume.html

It is simpler than it looks but pretty. I think my sister-in-law will like it. *crosses fingers*

Ostrich Plume Dish Towel Xmas Present

Cast On:

November 4 2008

Pattern:

Ostrich Plume Dishcloth by Edith Taylor

http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/ostplume.html

Made for:

Sister-in-law J

Needles:

US 7 / 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

Lily Elite Cotton - Dyed by Me

1 skeins = 184.0 yards (168.2m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns in Woodhaven, New York

The purple, brown & mixed grey and other colors are for some of my other in-laws. The brown & grey were to compliment their kitchen colors. (Though I am not sure about the grey one. I will knit it up, but it may end up getting redyed or some The purple is just because I know my sister-in-law likes purple. I am figuring the red & green for some Xmas towels.

I still have 4 balls of the Lily Elite Cotton that isn't dyed. I am debating what I will do. One of my sister-in-laws like cows. So I was thinking about doing something about that for one of them. But I didn't dye that up. I was originally thinking about knitting it first and then dyeing it. But now I am thinking it would make more sense to dye it first.

I will see if I have any left over brown from the one. Also, there is a Smiley sale the first week of December. So I can check if they have more of the cotton in other colors.

I used up all my black dye, the fire red and some others during the dyeing over the weekend. So I either need to replenish it or just go with what I have for the time being. I have plenty of knitting ahead of me. So we will see. *smile*

Also, here is a pic of the Panda Cotton sock blank I dyed over the weekend.

Sock Blank Purchased from Whimsy Pimsy etsy shop:

http://WhimsyPimsy.etsy.com

I am honestly not sure about the colors. They aren't what I was expecting. But I think it will be interesting.

I am leaning towards doing something like a chevron to get movement to the stripes. But I also do not want anything too complex given this will be my first time knitting with a sock black.

The Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL for Nov. is either a Wendy Johnson pattern or mosaic knitting. I am very tempted by mosaic knitting but do not have yarn for it. I was thinking about using one of the Wendy Johnson toe up patterns and adding a chevron to it. I am a bit tempted by her toe-up feather and fan pattern. But I suspect that would be too busy for the yarn.

Productive, Yet Sad Weekend

I really am feeling like this was a productive weekend.

Friday, I finished the Falling Snow Stocking. My first piece with a lot of fair isle knitting. I think it came out pretty well.

Falling Snow Stocking

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Pattern:

Falling Snow Stocking by Jennifer Hoel

http://jenniferhoel.wordpress.com/2008/01/25/paiges-christmas-stocking/

Made for:

Xmas Present - Millie Maybe

Needles:

US 8 / 5.0 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:

Bernat Lana in Marine - 09135

0.4 skeins = 86.8 yards (79.4m)

&

Bernat Lana in Denim Blue - 09116

0.4 skeins = 86.8 yards (79.4m)

Purchased at Smiley's Yarns Sale in NJ

Decided to do this as part of the Oct. 2008 Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL. I figured it would be interesting and get me to do a good deal of fair isle work. So I learned a lot.

I cast this on in the car on the way to Rhinebeck. I am definitely learning that doing one strand continental helps a lot. So I am glad I learned how to do it. Not speedy with continental by any means, but I am able to do it.

I am not sure who I will give this to for Xmas honestly. Probably my sister Millie as she likes blue.

Because I used a thinner yarn that the pattern called for, it isn’t as large as the original pattern. But it is still a good size stocking.

There is a bit of puckering when I pulled the yarn too tight. But overall, it looks good. Not bad for my first fair isle project. *smile*

Saturday was spent dyeing yarn. I picked up 12 balls of Lily Elite Cotton at the Smiley sale in NJ. I figured I could make dish towels out of it for various people for Xmas. So I stirred up a lot of different dyes.

Alos, I dyed the Trellis sweater I did for my niece, who I thought was a nephew when I knit the light blue sweater. *laugh* I have to take some pics after I have washed it. I want to machine wash & dry it before giving it to them. I have only handwashed it with the dyeing.

I also dyed the Panda cotton sock blank I got from WhimzyPinzy on etsy.

http://WhimzyPinzy.etsy.com

The yarn 50% Bamboo 24% cotton 21% elastic. I really like dyeing the sock blanks. It is much easier than the long skein method! I am curious to see how this knits up.

I spent Sunday rinsing... And rinsing... And... *sigh* I do love the colors in the Procion dyes. But it does mean a lot of rinsing. Ah well. They did come out well I think.

I sat down to do some spinning in between soaking yarn. I got the Three Bags Full plied. I am happy with it. It is super soft.

Then, I sat down to start some new fiber that I got at Rhinebeck. I was just starting it when snap! The bracket that attaches the rodman to the wheel broke!! *whimper*

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I wrote Babe immediately. I am really hoping that Neils will reply soon. I have heard he is great about repairs. My biggest concern is because I bought the wheel used, I am not sure if that will apply to me. *sigh* I can only hope it will and that it will be repaired quickly. I try to spin a little each day. I find it is a good way to relax. *sigh*

Kaylee Socks Complete

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Pattern:

Kaylee by Monkey Toes

Unfortunately, no longer available online but hopeful her husband will upload it to Ravelry sometime soon.

Made for:

Me - Size 9

Yarn:

Done Roving Frolicking Feet Superwash Wool Yarn in Fancy Footwork colorway

1 skeins = 480.0 yards (438.9m)

Purchased at Seaport Yarn in NYC

Needles:

US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony

2 socks on 2 circs

Started for the May Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL.

I do find it weird that the pattern has no gauge. But luckily, they are toe-up. I was able to tweak them as I went which helped.

I had to add 6 sts to each side to get them to fit. They would have been too small if I just follow the pattern. For the additional side stitches I did p2 k2 p2 on rows 1, 2, 4 & 5 of the repeat. And I did p1 k1 p2 k1 p1 on rows 3 & 6. I found that worked pretty well.

The repeat isn't as complex as I feared. Though I had trouble understanding row 5 of the pattern. Shansays on ravelry explained it in a way that made more sense.

Basically, for the middle stitches of row 5 it goes:

* Cast on 4 using backward loop cast on

* Pick up the 4 dropped stitches from the 4 previous row, knit them as a stitch

* YO

* Again pick up the 4 dropped stitches from the 4 previous row, knit them as a stitch

* Cast on 4 more stitches using backward loop cast on

I should have taken some pictures as it would make it easier to understand what is happening.

The toe is Judy's Magic Cast On. I really don't know if I will ever do another toe up toe! I love it.

The heel is a short row toe up heel. I am not really thrilled with it. There are holes along the edges. I won't be doing that again.

Not sure why I kept stalling with these. I finished them by the end of June so they will be eligible for the May KAL. But they were kinda slow going. I think I just haven't felt as driven to do socks. And the pattern was not mindless enough to be easy tv or car knitting.

I think the yarn is too busy for the pattern. It doesn't show it well. But I will still wear them as I like it.

Kaylee Socks

Pattern:

Kaylee by Monkey Toes

Unfortunately, no longer available online but hopeful her husband will upload it to Ravelry sometime soon.

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Made for:

Me - Size 9

Yarn:

Done Roving Frolicking Feet Superwash Wool Yarn in Fancy Footwork colorway

1 skeins = 480.0 yards (438.9m)

Purchased at Seaport Yarn in NYC

Needles:

US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm Knitpicks Options & Harmony

2 socks on 2 circs

Started for the May Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL.

The pattern has no gauge. Luckily, they are toe-up. So I was able to tweak them as I went along. I needed to add 12 stitches to get them to fit my foot. I am not sure how I will adjust the pattern for the additional stitches when I get to the leg, but I am sure something will come to me.

The pattern is really more like a stitch pattern than a full pattern. It just gives the pattern repeat & says do whatever toe & heel you want.

The repeat isn't as complex as I feared. Though I had trouble understanding row 5 of the pattern. Shansays on ravelry explained it in a way that made more sense.

Basically, for the middle stitches of row 5 it goes:

* Cast on 4 using backward loop cast on

* Pick up the 4 dropped stitches from the 4 previous row, knit them as a stitch

* YO

* Again pick up the 4 dropped stitches from the 4 previous row, knit them as a stitch

* Cast on 4 more stitches using backward loop cast on

I should take some pictures as it would make it easier to understand what is happening.

I struggled with this because this means that you are gaining a lot of stitches in this row. However, each of the previous rows is decreasing the number of stitches. So row 5 gets it back to being as wide as it needs to be.

I really like the pattern. Now that I understand row 5, I am finding it is pretty quick to knit.

The toe was done using Judy's Magic Cast On. I confess since learning this method, I really do not use other methods unless the pattern specifically states something different. It is wonderful and makes a terrific toe.

I really had hoped to cast on another Monkey Toes pattern for the Sock Knitters Anonymous May KAL. I really want to do a Brigit socks. But I am guessing that will wait.

Finished Baudelaire Socks in Dharmafey Bamboo Dexter

Cast On:

January 26 2008

Finished:

February 14 2008

Pattern:

Baudelaire by Cookie A.

http://www.knitty.com/issuesummer06/PATTbaudelaire.html

Made for:

Me - Size 9 shoe, 9" at ball, 9 1/4" long

Yarn:

Dharmafey's Cosmic Fibers Bamboo Sock in Dexter Colorway

http://dharmafey.etsy.com

60% superwash merino/30% bamboo/ 10% nylon

1 skeins = 385.0 yards

Needles:

US 1 1/2 / 2.5 mm

Knitpicks Options and Harmony

2 socks on 2 circs method

I wanted to do something interesting with the Dexter yarn I got. The batch I got is mostly grey with some flecks of red. I had been looking at the Cookie A. patterns for the Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL for January. So when I went to my ravelry queue, I spotted the Baudelaire pattern. It is a beautiful pattern.

I wasn't sure if the flecks would obscure the pattern. But I don't think the flecks detract. I think the yarn works pretty well with the pattern.

I *love* the Bamboo Sock yarn. It is very soft yet nice and smooshy. I liked it so much I ordered a couple blank skeins to dye myself. They just arrived today, so I think it might be a weekend for yarn dyeing... Mmmmm....

I really like the Baudelaire pattern. It was definitely a good pattern and a pleasure to knit. The only part I loathed was the Front Cable Increase & Back Cable Increase for the larger size. You have to create 4 stitches while simultaneously doing a cable. I think it should have just had the increase without trying to twist them at that same time. There was a ton of swearing involved. But it only happens once in the pattern. So two sets of each and then no more. If I had to do it more than that, I wouldn't knit the pattern ever again. *laugh*

Overall, I like the socks. They are very pretty, yet the coloring of the yarn doesn't make them super girly which I like. *grin* Though Paul keeps saying the color is pink not red. *growls* I do not do pink! It is red. *chuckle*