Another Year When Carin Has Me Thinking about Goals

Carin from the Round the Twist podcast mentioned goals for 2015.  And looking back, I realize that she has inspired me for several years in the past.

I wasn't going to take on any goals.  But listening to hers, I was inspired to set a few. 

I am not going overboard.  Here's what I am thinking.

Participate in all the SSK KALs
I am still stunned I got a spot in the Super Summer Knitogether this year.  I have been listening to the Knit Girllls for many years.  But this is the first year I tried for a spot.  And I got in!  I am super excited.

They are having five KALs before SSK.  Each one earns tickets for raffles.

Charity KAL - Items made for certain charities and brought to SSK - runs right up to SSK
Romi Hill 11/20/15-1/31/16
babycocktails - Thea Colman 2/1/16-3/31/16
mercedesknits - Mercedes Tarasovich 4/1/16-5/31/16
Pattern by any SSK participant including teachers: 6/1/16-7/15/16

I can earn one ticket for every 100 yards.  I can also earn 2 tickets for using one of the SSK vendors.  And 2 for handspun.  Coolness.

I like that most of them are two months long.  So it is a good chunk of time & completely doable.  

SocksComplete three pairs this year.  And yes, I am counting the pair currently on the needles and nearly done.  But hey, it is something. 
 I should set a higher goal.  But I have been lagging on socks lately.  I get past the foot & then just stall on the leg.  Feels like I should be done, but it isn't.

I just checked.  I only knit *two* pairs for all of last year.  So three is an increase!  I wear my handknit socks all the time.  So I definitely need more!

Darning 
Thinking about my socks.  I realize that I should *darn* some of the pairs I have that have holes that can be repaired!  So my goal is for two pairs to get fixed. 

Finish DH's Sweater
I started it in 2012!!  For the Year of the Sweater.  Again, Carin from Round the Twist inspired me.  It needs a buttonband & buttons.  That is it.  But I fowled it up and haven't had the heart to rip it out and start again.  *sigh*  So close...

I fear it may wait until Stash Dash in May.  But so long as it is this year, I will be happy.  DH might be happier sooner however.  But it has been a warm winter so far.

A Spin on Spin the Bin
I am still trying to find details on this.  Lara form the Knit Girllls has done it several years.  Leslie is doing it this year unofficially.  I think I may have already missed the deadline to join in the group. 

In looking at the Knit Girllls group, I have decided on a different spin on this.

I want to spin 12 bits of fiber.  I say 12 but am not locking in what they are.  This way I can spin things as they come into the house rather than locking in things now. 

Also, I say bits of fiber rather than braids or batts.  This is because one of those should be some silk. And they aren't in the standard braids or such.

I went crazy at NY S&W shortly after I started spinning.  I have multiple bits of silk.  I have an entire silk kit with different types of silk.   And wanna guess how much I have actually spun?!  I have spun part of a silk hankie with a spindle.  But other than that, I haven't spun any pure silk.  And even the spindle one, I haven't spun the whole hankie!

I have even bought the download video of Spinning Luxury Fibers Volume 1: Silk when Interweave was having a sale.  But I don't think I have watched it yet.  Or certainly not all of it.

I think those are good goals.  They make sense and are completely achievable.  So hooray for that.

Wish me luck.

AAGGGHHHH!!!

It has been bitterly cold.  I have not wanting to take off wool socks *at all*.

Unfortunately, our heat is controlled by our landlord.  The one that sets the thermostat is from Poland and thinks 65 for the day is just fine!  (It is funny because you can tell when the woman comes home as it gets cranked up to all of 68...  We have complained repeatedly.  But we finally just gave up and have space heaters in every room.)

I went to put on my Maeve socks this morning.   Figuring cables, no yarn overs was an excellent idea.  These are the pair I just finished in May after starting on them before my DS was born.  Who was two by the time I finished them!  *laugh*

THERE IS A MASSIVE HOLE ON THE BALL OF THE FOOT!!

*sigh*

Talley of dead socks since the fall (in order of death I think...):
Maeve socks
Siouxsie the Scylla Black Dragons
Brigit Socks
Zombie Socks
Baudelaire Socks - though they might have been earlier than fall

Both pairs of handknit socks for DH also died.

So that is seven pairs of socks (maybe eight) that have died in less than six months!!

The Maeve, Black Dragon and Siouxsie socks I have less than a year! 

I confess that I am really peeved about the ones that died so quickly!  And the Maeve ones were so much work.  There is pattern on the foot, so I can't see that they are salvageable...  *sigh*

I think one of DH's pairs is just the toe of all places.  So I can add a new toe.  But pretty much all the rest are lost causes...  *sniffle*

It is really frustrating...

*sigh*

I really need to knit a whole lot more socks.  Part of me is saying nothing but SW/nylon blends in the future.  But the other side feels like the nylon makes them less warm.  (I am currently wearing my Witching Hour Socks in The First Draft Merino/Nylon sock yarn.  I love them.  But they don't feel as warm as the all wool socks.

The rational part of me knows that the reason I knit socks is because they are something I actually wear all the time.  But the emotional part is peeved that I can't keep them forever.  *laugh* 

Looking at my socks on my Ravelry page, http://www.ravelry.com/projects/akasha?set=socks&view=thumbnail I am struck by just how many are MIA or not ones I can wear on a daily basis (to thick or in one case knee highs).    And there are least three other pairs that are dead. 

It also makes me wonder where my cotton socks are...  I haven't seen them in eons.  Which makes me think they got into the bottom of a dresser drawer...  Maybe I will find them when I move.  *laugh*

I just counted.  There are currently five pairs of socks I can wear on a daily basis.  Definitely not enough with this weather!  *shivers* 

I have two pairs on the needles.  Both toe-up and past the heel turn.  But for some reason, I keep stalling on the leg of socks...  Not sure why.  The Rosebud Socks are beautiful and I can tell I will wear them a ton.  But it is a 24 row repeat.  So I have to be paying some attention.  Not a challenging pattern.  But it requires some attention.  The even rows don't have increases & decreases.  So that helps in terms of speed. 

The other are the Socks in a Week challenge that I failed.  So the logical part of my brain says just knit the freaking things.  They are socks!  It is a simple two row repeat.  Nothing challenging.  But I didn't finish them in the allotted time. 

Also, since I started them in 2013, I am not sure if they count towards the 12 in 2014 sock challenge.  Mind you, the sock challenge is a super loose group.  They don't care if you want to knit 1 pair or 12.  And I am not delusional enough to believe I will knit all 12 pairs in adult size.  I might if I knit some kids socks.  *grin*

All this is the long way of saying I need more socks.  DH needs more socks.

And I also need to knit him a hat!  I feel bad that he is outside, in the cold, clearing off the car with no handknit hat or scarf!!  He has two scarves but of course we can't find either.  *laugh*

Think I need a win.  So I should stash dive & knit a hat for him.  *smile*  I love knitting hats as they are super quick & easy.  But I never wear them myself. 

Okay.  Enough babble.  Back to work for me.  *grin*

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!)

Finishing Stuff

I am really trying to finish stuff.  It is unlike me to have so much on my needles and so little finished.  So I am trying to get things off my WIP list.

Of course, if it were anyone one but me, I would just add freaking buttons to the four WIPs that are missing buttons.  Though kudos to me for adding more beads to the fringe on a scarf.  It has been sitting in limbo for a while with no excuse other that *it is freaking time consuming to add beads to fringe!*  Add the beads and then double knot the edge so said beads don't fall off. 

The scarf/neckwarmer was knit in 2010!  I kid you not.  But it has been sitting in my WIP pile waiting for the beads.  I did some when I got the beads back in spring of this year.  But then it got moved out of my WIPs next to the couch to a bin in the craft room.

If I weren't so desperate for Xmas pressies this year, I fear it would have languished there even longer.  So now out of 18 groups of 4 strands, 13 are done.  But given I did five sets of fringe over the course of three hour long shows, I fear it will take about three more hours of work to complete.  Maybe longer.  The beads I got were on strands.  So I was easily able to thread them from one strand on to the yarn with a specialized beading needle.  In the course of the beading, the ends got undone and the beads spilled.  So I now have loose beads, which take longer to string.  Whee.

Hope the recipient really likes the beads.  'Cause I am sorely tempted to just cut the freaking fringe off!  But given I am over half way through, I can't do it.  So I press on with it.

I finished my Lady Bianca socks I started in March!  They aren't hard.  But I love using the Chic-a double yarn keeper when knitting two socks on two circs.  It keeps the yarn from becoming a tangled mess.  I decided to participate in a Downton Abbey KAL so then I was done with the beading on the legs of the Biancas, I snipped the yarn & took them out of the Chic-a so I could use it for the DA KAL socks.  Then the Scylla socks went into the bag next.  So the poor Lady Bianca socks languished. 

But I am happy to report they are done.

Lady Bianca Socks

Set of pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/akkasha/sets/72157631829774413/with/8113516631/

Cast On:
March 13 2012

Completed:
October 20 2012

Pattern:
Midnight Sky by Renee Leverington
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midnight-sky
Got during my run in the Decadently Dark Sock Club

Made for:
Me & my size 9 tootsies

Needles:
US 2 - 2.75 mm & US 0 - 2.0 mm

Yarn:
Storied Yarns Superwash Sock
~ 0.75 skeins = 346.5 yards (316.8m)
Colorway Lady Bianca (dyed specifically for me by the wonderful Jess for a
Purchased at Storied Yarns - http://www.etsy.com/shop/storiedyarns
Though I was happy to see she posted the colorway in worsted - http://www.etsy.com/listing/111953158/superwash-merino-worsted-yarn-100g-lady

I confess I seriously debated trying to change the pattern to toe-up as that is my preferred method. But I decided to stick with cuff-down as written because of the lovely pattern that goes down into the top of the foot.

I ended up doing six repeats on the leg instead of 2. I like longer socks. Also, more beaded beauty. I was worried I might run out of yarn, but there was a ton left when I finished.

I love the pattern. I got it back when I was in the Decadently Dark club. I seem to have lost it, but Renee was sweet enough to resend it to me! She is so wonderful.

I debated long and hard about what pattern I wanted to use for the lovely Storied Yarns Superwash Sock Lady Bianca that was dyed especially for me. Something about it cried out for beads. So with that in mind, I started looking at beaded socks. There were a bunch in mind, some more vampire geared given Lady Bianca, but I kept coming back to this pattern.

I am hoping they will be a lovely pairing of pattern & yarn.

I added an extra pattern repeat to the top. The pattern is for a medium foot. I have a size 9 foot and large ankles, so I figure it is better to have a larger sock.

For the pattern on the top of the foot, I added a repeat that made sense so the pattern continues further down on my foot. But I think it works well.

All in all, I love these socks. Only bad part is I did my cast on too tight. So they are a bit tight at the top of the leg. Not thrilled with that. But otherwise they are beautiful socks.

I also hadn't posted pics of the aforementioned Scylla socks!  That is because I hadn't taken any until I took the Bianca pics.  So here is that.

Siouxsie the Scylla

Set of pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/akkasha/sets/72157631836758327/


Cast On:June 27 2012

Completed:September 30 2012

Pattern:Scylla by Fiona Lucas
http://glassoffashion.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/scyllasocks.pdf
Made for:
Me & my size 9 tootsies

Needles:US 0 - 2.0 mm
US 2 - 2.75 mm

Yarn:Tri'Coterie Sock BFL SW (self-striping) in Siouxsie Colorway
1 skeins = 437.0 yards (399.6m)
Purchased from a destash

I love this yarn.  It is beautiful.  I also love Siouxsie Sioux.  I spotted the yarn in a destash and needed it!  I am so glad I got it.

Maylin at Tri'Coterie is one of my fav dyers.  Her colorways are beautiful.  The colors here aren't quite as obvious as just black & red.  The reds run from scarlet to a deeper red, not burgundy, but there are three different reds in the stripes.

I confess that I am actually a bit disappointed that I didn't just knit a vanilla sock to really show off the colors.  But the Scylla pattern is great and really does accentuate the yarn in interesting ways.  I think it is fitting for Siouxsie.

I increased the number of stitches in the foot to 72. I didn't get gauge. The yarn seems more like a light fingering, so I need to do it on 0s to get a good solid foot. With the toe up and the four stitch repeat, it was an easy tweak.

I wanted a looser leg with more give than the foot. So I went up to a 2 1/2 needle. I broke one of my size 1s needles so I didn't have the pair for two socks on two circs which is my preferred method. I think the looser gauge is nice on the leg.

Overall I like them and hope they will wear well.

Other WIPs

In the stack of WIPs was the Cover Your Eyes for Peek-a-Boo shawl/ette.  I picked up some Knit Picks yarn to finish it because I ran out before I could cast off.  And guess what?!  I think I did it again.  I think I didn't stop in time to do the bind off.  *laugh*  I am nothing if not consistent with this thing! 

I did buy two different DK yarns from Knit Picks to see which worked better.  So now I am debating if I want to do the edge in the black Gloss I picked up (SW & silk blend).  Or if I want to take some of the leftover Lady Bianca yarn & double it for the edge.  That might look really cool.  I am thinking it could be interesting to add some of the beads to the edge as well.  Much like blood droplets...  Given it is the Reaver colorway.... 

Decisions decisions...  *grin*

In the same Knit Picks order is yarn to finish the Spring into Style shawl.   The yarn is a decent match.  I just have to get the last rows done.  Because it is another gradient yarn, I think the different yarn will look fine.  So that is good. 

I think I have nine more rows to complete with that one if I am remembering correctly (and if I didn't do more after my notes on Ravelry.)  It really should be a beautiful piece when it is done.  I just need to *get* it done.  But at least I have the yarn. 

The yarn is by the same dyer as my Siouxsie yarn.  I asked if she could dye some more for me.  But the yarn I got is only available in 150 gram skeins.  She buys that yarn pre-cut.  She even was kind enough to offer to do 100 grams in another colorway.  But honestly, I wasn't as taken with her Sock BFL Silky as I am with her Sock Silk.  The Sock Silk has a bit more twist so I personally like it more.  It is just my preference.

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!

Suggestions

I seem to have stalled.  I have lovely, yummy yarn.  I have wonderful beads.  And can't figure out what pattern I want to make.  I keep looking, but not getting that definitive "that's it!" moment.  It is odd.

Mind you, I know this is sleep dep at work.  So I am not stunned.  But still, I wanna make the pretty.  *chuckle*

So I am turning to the knitters I know and soliciting thoughts, votes, alternatives.

Okay.  Yarn 1 is the Lady Bianca by Storied Yarns.  A colorway dyed especially for me.  Love it so much that it needs to be on the needles!  Red with some black, purple & blues.  The beads are a red mix with some more copper, clear & iridescent ones.

I want to make socks.  I stung the beads as the idea of having loose beads on a project that I want to knit in front of the tv and on weekends seemed like a bad one.  So they are on there.  Plenty of beads.  More than enough for socks.  And btw, if you need to string beads, it is sooo much simpler with the pre-strung beads.   Took no time at all.  I did it while waiting for things to load in my database one night.

I think all the patterns have to be changed from cuff down to toe-up if I want to make toe-up socks which I prefer.  But the Rain Drops might have to be cuff-down because of the pattern.

Here are the possible patterns.

Gothic Windows:

http://tresjolieknitting.blogspot.com/2011/03/gothic-windows-sock-pattern.html

Problem.  The pattern doesn't have beads so I would need to figure out how to add them.

Looking Glass from Walker First Treasury:

This is a stitch pattern.  Even started charting it to figure out how to do it in the round.  Can't find a pic of it.  Sorry.

Queen of Beads:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/queen-of-beads-the-gloves

This is actually a glove modification based off a pay sock pattern that I don't own.  And given my issues with Blue Moon Fibers, I will not give them money for the sock pattern.  Mind you, between experience and the glove pattern, I could probably figure it out.  But I don't know about doing that...

Rain Drops Beaded Socks:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rain-drops-beaded-socks

The beading in this requires slipping the bead onto the stitch with a crochet hook.  And I am not up for that.  I have read it and tried to think how to work it with the beads strung.  But I can't get my head around it.  See sleep dep.  *laugh*

Midnight Sky:

Ravelry - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/midnight-sky

Or Non-Rav - http://www.bopeepswoolshop.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=115

Own the pattern as I was in the yarn club.  Haven't actually used it.  Wish the photos had more detail.  At the moment, it might be the one I am leaning towards because it requires the least amount of tweaking.  And I like making patterns by designers I like.  Renee is pretty cool.  And I got to provide input on the colorways for the Decadently Dark Sock Club. Also, I couldn't track down my pattern and she offered to resend it to me.  So that is cool.  I wish the photos were better on Ravelry honestly.  It is hard to see what the pattern will really look like.  And I would be flipping the pattern to get it to work toe-up.

River Rock:

http://www.siviaharding.com/patterns/river_rock_scarf/

I am thinking about taking this pattern and adapting it to socks.  Given the yarn colorway is a vampire, like the idea of them looking like blood droplets.  It is the same reason that the Rain Drops appeal.  That look of blood.  Yah, I was a goth in my younger years.  Why do you ask?  *smirk*

Okay.  I have to scoot home.  So only one yarn for today.  Maybe I will share the shawl/ette insanity tomorrow...  *grin*

Mind you, I am desperately trying not to cast these socks on until I have the sock on my needles done.  Though I would say they are about 75% done.  So that is good.

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

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

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.

Brigit Socks in Jitterbug & WIP

I finished up my Brigit Socks in Jitterbug last night.

Brigit Socks in Jitterbug

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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

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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.

WIPs & Spinning

I cast on the Brigit socks by Monkey Toes/Gigi Silva last night. The February Sock Knitters Anonymous KAL choices are Socks for a Cause or Gigi Silva or Entrelac. I like the patterns Gigi created. There are some really nice ones. Despite how much I swore at the Kaylee socks, I do like them. *chuckle* (With those, it was just about having difficulty visualizing how to do a certain stitch that is unique to that pattern, not a badly written pattern.)

I have been wanting to do something with an interesting cable design for a while. But I tend to skip it as I am more drawn to handpainted yarns that really don't show up patterns well. So while looking through Gigi patterns, I recalled just how much I wanted to try the Brigit socks.

I remembered I had the Colinette Jitterbug in Vatican red. It isn't solid, but has some subtle color shifts. But I think that will work well with the pattern.

I can't recall where I heard that Jitterbug is kinda short on yardage. So I decided to do them toe-up. The pattern isn't directional, so it should be fine. (Of course, I checked Ravelry and someone else did them toe-up. *grin*)

Here's a pic of the pattern in case you don't have Ravlery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/knitmommy/2624287935/

The woman who designed the patterns passed away last year. Luckily someone in her family was kind enough to post the patterns on Ravelry. She had posted them for free on her own site. But when she passed away, the website was closed.

I think they will be really lovely in the red.

I am not sure what heels I will do. I need to look at the Kaylee socks to see if I liked that heel. But I might use the one from the Toe Up Feather and Fan Socks by Wendy Johnson. I really like the way those came out. She does this neat wrap while picking up the stitches so there aren't any holes. I like the way it looked for the other socks. Not sure. I figure I can see what I want to do when I get there.

BTW, if anyone is interested in some heavenly fiber in purple & red, winderwoodfarm.etsy.com listed the remaining fiber that he made.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20473704

These pictures really do not do it justice. It is a deeper purple and a nice red. It looks really pink in the pics and it isn't at all. I am sorely tempted to grab the rest myself. But I am resisting.

I did however decide I need to get the gauge card. I have been saying I would get one for a while now. So I broke down and ordered one. I went with the Woolery.com. Their price was good. I also broke down and got an umbrella swift. I adore the ones my darling hubby made. But the wood wasn't very hard and they have warped. When I was winding my yarn last night, the cross piece kept hitting the upright. It is chipping the wood. The Woolery had a nice wood one for $65 which is a good price. And I realize that given just how much I use the ones I have, it is well spent money.

Of course, I do know in my heart that the money would be better spent on new tires for the car or taking the cat to the vet. And I also know those are $500 and $350+ respectively. (It stuns me that the vet costs more than my doctor's appointment even if I didn't have insurance!) So they will wait a bit longer.

I have been plying the Twisted Fibers Roxanne colorway. It spun up nicely. Though I suspect I really should have spun it thinner. But I wanted to keep enough loft in it to make it nice to touch.

I am Navajo plying it. I did it on my lowest ratio bobbin & have been going slowly with the treadle. I don't want to overtwist it so that it loses all the soft goodness. I think it is going pretty well. It is always hard to tell while on the bobbin. I will have to see how it comes out.

I don't really think it is thin enough for socks. Given it is 80% superwash merino/20% cashmere, there was some hope that might work. I will see what I get for WPI after I have set the yarn. But I really suspect that it will be too thick for anything except house yarns.

I feel like I have learned a trick/technique to avoid the bumps I had been getting while Navajo plying. If I pull the yarn back & taunt when I am transitioning from one loop to the next, this smooths out the transition. In many cases I can't feel it at all. The exception is really when the thickness of the single at the transition point is is thicker than the yarn that is coming up. Then I get a bump. But I think with the slow treadling and all that the yarn won't be too harsh.

I am hoping to finish spinning that this weekend and get it soaking. *crosses fingers* With President's Day it is a 3 day weekend for me, so that may actually happen. Woohoo!

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.

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*

Toe Up Feather & Fan Socks in Handpainted Sock Blank

Cast On:
November 27 2008

Completed:
December 7 2008

Pattern:
Toe Up Feather and Fan Socks by Wendy Johnson
http://wendyknits.net/finished-work-free-patterns-tips/sub-page
http://media.wendyknits.net/knit/featherandfansock.pdf

Made for:
Me in Size 9

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

Yarn:
Whimzy Pinzy Creations Feet Sheets by Whimzy Pinzy
Bamboo/Cotton/Elastic Panda Yarn
1 sock blank approximately 400 yards
Colorway - Burgundy, Black, etc. - Dyed by Me
Purchased at Whimzy Pinzy Etsy Shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5097833


The 64 sts for the foot wasn’t large enough for my size 9 tootsies. I increased to 72 sts for the foot. Also, I worked the feather & fan pattern on the foot. I like having the pattern on my foot as well as the leg.

I wanted something to knit on Thanksgiving that wasn’t an Xmas present. And I have been missing having socks on my needles!

I love working with the sock blank. It is very easy and there is a lot less tangling.

I confess I am surprised by the way the yarn took the dye. It seems I didn’t get the dye into all of the loops that were knit. So there is a lot of heather effect to the yarn. It turned out as a happy accident. I like the way it looks.

I choose the feather & fan to highlight the striping in the yarn. I think it works pretty well. I am happy with the pairing of the yarn & pattern.

The Feet Sheet I have was dyed by me. Also, it is the bamboo/cotton/elastic one, not the superwash wool/nylon one. I have to say the yarn is pretty splitty. But I still enjoy the feel when it is knit. So I would probably buy it again. It was a bit shorter than I like though.

I liked that the repeat was super simple. I definitely like the way it came out.

Only wish they were a little longer. They came out kinda short for my tastes. But I ran out of yarn.

Oodles of Finished Object Photos & My Lovely Birthday Pressie

I finally got all the pics together. Hooray! So this is a picture intensive post.

First I have to share the pics of the knitting bag Silvercat made for my birthday. I love this bag!

This has been a weird couple knitting weeks. I worked on the Zombie Sock. They were done on the 13th which was cool. I cast on the Quick No-Purl Keyhole Scarf which was as the name said. Super quick. I finished it in less than 24 hours! *chuckle*

Then, I didn't put anything on my needles until six days later!! *blink* Weirdness.

I admit part is I didn't know what I wanted to do. I tossed around some ideas but nothing was talking to me.

I have still been spinning most mornings. But no knitting. Bizarre.

I should take some pics of some of the spinning too. But hey, I finally got the project pics done. So it is progress. *chuckle*

So here are the items in order of completion.

Zombie Socks in Scout's Swag Socktoberfest

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Cast On:

August 29, 2008

Completed:

September 13, 2008

Pattern:

Zombie Socks by Sheryl Giles

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zombie-socks

Made for:

Me in Size 9

Needles:

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

Yarn:

Scout's Swag Superwash Merino/Tencel in Socktoberfest colorway

http://www.scoutsswag.com/

1 skeins = 375.0 yards

Trade from Silvercat http://shinysilverstrands.blogspot.com/

The photos don't show the yarn well. The colors are grey, orange & purple. The thick stripes are the grey. The orange & purple look mixed. Also, the tencel gives it a beautiful sheen. And I am hoping it will help it wear really well.

I have been debating what to do with the Scout's Swag in Socktoberfest that I got from Silvercat. I was worried that the Zombie pattern might be too busy for the yarn. But I really like the way it looks.

I did these toe-up. The pattern is cuff down but the pattern repeat doesn't matter which end is up. So it is easy to switch to toe-up instead.

Some striping happened that I think is interesting. Though it isn't as neat on the leg as it was on the foot. But it still looks good I think.

I worked the toe up to the 64 stitches recommended in the pattern. It fits my foot well. It is a little loose, but I am hoping that it will tighten up a smidge when I wash it.

Given the orange in these, I want them knit by Halloween. Unfortunately, there isn't enough orange in the yarn for them to count for the September Sock Knitter's Anonymous KAL on Ravelry. Ah well. I really enjoyed the pattern & the yarn.

Quick No-Purl Keyhole Scarf in Handspun Merino

Cast On:

September 13, 2008

Completed:

September 14, 2008

Pattern:

Quick No-Purl Keyhole Scarf by Saralyn Harvey

http://fireflowerknits.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/quick-no-purl-keyhole-scarf/

Made for:

Not sure. Maybe me, maybe a present

Needles:

Knitpicks Options US 13 / 9.0 mm

Yarn:

Handspun made from Merino Wool Top Roving

Purchased at Adirondack Woolery

http://www.adirondackwoolery.com/

I didn't realize this one was still waiting to be posted. It was a super fast knit.

The photos really don't do justice to this fiber. It has a beautiful sheen to it.

Cast on 23 stitches to add 2 more pattern repeats.

I made a mistake with the slip 1 purlwise. I got a good way into the pattern and realized that it specified to bring the yarn forward. I hadn't done that.

I placed the hole in the wrong spot. It is too close to the center. I am debating what I want to do with it. I may pick up some more fiber & spin more, adding to the ends. Or I may just accept it is a bit funky. Not sure yet.

I will check out the Adirondack Woolery when I am up in the Adirondacks again for Columbus Day weekend. If they are open, I will pick up some more fiber and add some to each end. I might make another pattern for the ends just to mix it up. We will see.

Basic Socks in Handspun Superwash Wool

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Cast On:

September 20, 2008

Completed:

September 23, 2008

Pattern:

Improvised Toe-Up Pattern

Made for:

Me in Size 9

Needles:

Knitpicks Options & Harmony Circs US 5 / 3.75 mm

Yarn:

Handspun yarn made with a Ranches Angoras Superwash merino batt in Ember

Purchased from http://theranch.etsy.com

4 oz. ~ 235 yards - used most of it

I spun the superwash wool I got from theranch.etsy.com (Ranches Angoras). It is their Ember roving. I really love the way the fiber came out. It is red and grey.

Given I didn't know how much yarn it would take, I decided toe-up was the better choice. This way, I could see if there was enough stretch in them to make decent socks. If not, I would rip it out and do something else with the yarn.

I decided that a simple 2x2 rib was a smart choice. It has a lot of elasticity to it which helps.

Honestly, I am surprised that they seem to have enough stretch. I was worried. But they fit pretty nicely.

The thicker yarn made these a super fast knit! 4 days total.

They are definitely house/boot socks as they are thick. But I like the way they came out. And I am super happy about the yarn having enough elasticity. Hooray!