The Toe Up Socks Complete!

Here's a picture of my finally completed toe-up socks.
You can read about their progress in several posts below.




On to swatching for my next pair of Socks that Rock Socks! It's nice to have a few days off from work to get these things done!

The Toe Up Socks Complete!

Here's a picture of my finally completed toe-up socks.
You can read about their progress in several posts below.




On to swatching for my next pair of Socks that Rock Socks! It's nice to have a few days off from work to get these things done!

Happy Holidays!

As my family completed its celebration of Hanukkah, and settled down for some relaxing down time while others were celebrating Christmas, I made some good progress on my current projects.

First, I finished the Red Scarf for The Red Scarf Project. I will now send it, along with a Wavy Scarf from Knitty that I'd made previously, in to the Project in early January. This is one of my only charity knitting offerings and I'm very pleased with the way both scarves came out, not to mention the cause for which they were made. This definitely put me in the holiday spirit!


Today, on an hour-long car trip to enjoy some R&R with friends and neighbors, I finished the toe-up stockinette socks I've been working on for my daughter, in the beautiful Fearless Fibers sock yarn. The second sock was a lot easier than the first, but I think I will go back to cuff-down from here on in. Speaking of socks, I got the first skein from Sundara's Petals Collection yesterday. It's a gorgeous skein in shades of grey, called Lenten Rose. I will probably use another pattern other than the very lacy one that came with the yarn, but the skein is exquisite, and Sundara's packaging is beautiful and shows a great sense of style. I am looking forward to being part of this sock club. I have resisted, however, joining a third sock yarn club, that of Sunshine Yarns, although her yarns look absolutely scrumptious. I am really trying to work through my stash, and my sock yarn stash is definitely growing!

Next up on the sock needles: I'll be swatching and casting on for Titania's Revenge, with Socks that Rock's gorgeous Titania colorway. This yarn came back in the summer, so you can see how far behind I am!

I am also making progress on my Pink Suede Jacket. This is one of those projects--since the jacket (other than the sleeves) is knit all in one piece--where I am not sure if and how it will fit when it's done. Right now, the focus is on finishing it so I can move on to some of the other projects that await.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

As my family completed its celebration of Hanukkah, and settled down for some relaxing down time while others were celebrating Christmas, I made some good progress on my current projects.

First, I finished the Red Scarf for The Red Scarf Project. I will now send it, along with a Wavy Scarf from Knitty that I'd made previously, in to the Project in early January. This is one of my only charity knitting offerings and I'm very pleased with the way both scarves came out, not to mention the cause for which they were made. This definitely put me in the holiday spirit!


Today, on an hour-long car trip to enjoy some R&R with friends and neighbors, I finished the toe-up stockinette socks I've been working on for my daughter, in the beautiful Fearless Fibers sock yarn. The second sock was a lot easier than the first, but I think I will go back to cuff-down from here on in. Speaking of socks, I got the first skein from Sundara's Petals Collection yesterday. It's a gorgeous skein in shades of grey, called Lenten Rose. I will probably use another pattern other than the very lacy one that came with the yarn, but the skein is exquisite, and Sundara's packaging is beautiful and shows a great sense of style. I am looking forward to being part of this sock club. I have resisted, however, joining a third sock yarn club, that of Sunshine Yarns, although her yarns look absolutely scrumptious. I am really trying to work through my stash, and my sock yarn stash is definitely growing!

Next up on the sock needles: I'll be swatching and casting on for Titania's Revenge, with Socks that Rock's gorgeous Titania colorway. This yarn came back in the summer, so you can see how far behind I am!

I am also making progress on my Pink Suede Jacket. This is one of those projects--since the jacket (other than the sleeves) is knit all in one piece--where I am not sure if and how it will fit when it's done. Right now, the focus is on finishing it so I can move on to some of the other projects that await.

Happy Holidays!

Knit From Your Stash 2007: Count Me In!

I've been reading on Wendy's blog about "Knit from Your Stash 2007." This is a great New Year's Resolution for me--I'm going to do it! It should be pretty easy, given the stash I built up at Stitches East in November, and given the exemption for sock yarn, I'm in great shape!



Incidentally, today's package from the Socks that Rock Club is absolutely beautiful! I love the little graduation certificate we each received for completing the 2006 Sock Club, although having made just two pair from STR yarn so far, I'm considered a "Hopeful Sock Knitter!" I feel OK about that, given that I've made several other pairs of socks using other yarn. One of the new STR patterns even involves knitting with beads, which is something I had just mentioned I want to try.

There are definitely enought projects to keep me "Knitting from My Stash."

Knit From Your Stash 2007: Count Me In!

I've been reading on Wendy's blog about "Knit from Your Stash 2007." This is a great New Year's Resolution for me--I'm going to do it! It should be pretty easy, given the stash I built up at Stitches East in November, and given the exemption for sock yarn, I'm in great shape!



Incidentally, today's package from the Socks that Rock Club is absolutely beautiful! I love the little graduation certificate we each received for completing the 2006 Sock Club, although having made just two pair from STR yarn so far, I'm considered a "Hopeful Sock Knitter!" I feel OK about that, given that I've made several other pairs of socks using other yarn. One of the new STR patterns even involves knitting with beads, which is something I had just mentioned I want to try.

There are definitely enought projects to keep me "Knitting from My Stash."

Slow Progress

I feel like I have made some progress on my projects this week--I finished the first of my toe-up socks, and even added a cute little picot edge (althought it was curling under like crazy, until I think I steamed the curl out of it for good!)I'm pretty happy with it, what do you think:

I have now completed the "Easy Toe" with the provisional cast-on for the second sock and it went much easier than with the first one--so I guess I really am learning something from these socks. It also looks like I'll have quite a bit of sock yarn left, so I may make the FIngerless Garter Mitts from "One Skein," using the beads as they suggest. Just another thing to add to my "To Knit" list--although I did buy a beading needle today in anticipation!
Speaking of projects to come, I hear that the next skein in the "Rockin Sock Club" is on its way--even though it will be months before I get to it, I'm excited to see it!
One more observation for this week--I've been trying to work more on my Red Scarf, as December is halfway over and it will be January, the due date for the scarf, before I know it.
Here's what a piece of it looks like; I currently have about 30 inches done.

The Ann Budd "Ribbed Scarf with a Twist" pattern is rhythmic and relaxing, but it has taken me a while to memorize even this simple pattern, because this has been such a start and stop project. So I've observed that working on a project more frequently (which really means not having several things going at once) allows you to memorize the pattern and make the knitting more relaxing. Which is something we all need, right?
Happy Hanukkah, everyone!

Slow Progress

I feel like I have made some progress on my projects this week--I finished the first of my toe-up socks, and even added a cute little picot edge (althought it was curling under like crazy, until I think I steamed the curl out of it for good!)I'm pretty happy with it, what do you think:

I have now completed the "Easy Toe" with the provisional cast-on for the second sock and it went much easier than with the first one--so I guess I really am learning something from these socks. It also looks like I'll have quite a bit of sock yarn left, so I may make the FIngerless Garter Mitts from "One Skein," using the beads as they suggest. Just another thing to add to my "To Knit" list--although I did buy a beading needle today in anticipation!
Speaking of projects to come, I hear that the next skein in the "Rockin Sock Club" is on its way--even though it will be months before I get to it, I'm excited to see it!
One more observation for this week--I've been trying to work more on my Red Scarf, as December is halfway over and it will be January, the due date for the scarf, before I know it.
Here's what a piece of it looks like; I currently have about 30 inches done.

The Ann Budd "Ribbed Scarf with a Twist" pattern is rhythmic and relaxing, but it has taken me a while to memorize even this simple pattern, because this has been such a start and stop project. So I've observed that working on a project more frequently (which really means not having several things going at once) allows you to memorize the pattern and make the knitting more relaxing. Which is something we all need, right?
Happy Hanukkah, everyone!

A Learning Opportunity

I've spent quite a bit of time on my toe-up socks this week. I won't exactly call them Widdershins anymore, because I've deviated from the pattern, using other toe-up sock "recipes" to guide me. I decided to use the simple Short-Row Heel method from Sensational Knitted Socks. Charlene Schurch's directions continue to be among the clearest around (in my opinion), and the fact that she has you use markers to help with the Short-Rowing was a great aid to me. I have now turned the heel and am ready to start up the leg:



I'll have to measure the sock on my daughter once I knit enough for her to try on.
I knit the heel with size 0 needles (I'm doing the body of the sock on 1's), and I think the 0 might have given a tighter, less open, feel. I might consider switching to 0's for Sock #2...although that might be a bit weird.
So far, I must say my experimenting with toe-up socks has led me to the conclusion that I prefer top-down! But I always wanted to try this method, so I'm glad I did. Lots of new learning here.
I am already in love with "Monkey," Cookie A.'s new socks on the brand-new edition of Knitty.com. I love her patterns, but may just love this one best. Can't wait to make it!
I have completely neglected my Pink Suede Jacket. I may go back to it a bit this weekend, as I'm itching to start some of my new projects (Yarn bought at Stiches East, etc.) but I won't start something new until this jacket is DONE!

A Learning Opportunity

I've spent quite a bit of time on my toe-up socks this week. I won't exactly call them Widdershins anymore, because I've deviated from the pattern, using other toe-up sock "recipes" to guide me. I decided to use the simple Short-Row Heel method from Sensational Knitted Socks. Charlene Schurch's directions continue to be among the clearest around (in my opinion), and the fact that she has you use markers to help with the Short-Rowing was a great aid to me. I have now turned the heel and am ready to start up the leg:



I'll have to measure the sock on my daughter once I knit enough for her to try on.
I knit the heel with size 0 needles (I'm doing the body of the sock on 1's), and I think the 0 might have given a tighter, less open, feel. I might consider switching to 0's for Sock #2...although that might be a bit weird.
So far, I must say my experimenting with toe-up socks has led me to the conclusion that I prefer top-down! But I always wanted to try this method, so I'm glad I did. Lots of new learning here.
I am already in love with "Monkey," Cookie A.'s new socks on the brand-new edition of Knitty.com. I love her patterns, but may just love this one best. Can't wait to make it!
I have completely neglected my Pink Suede Jacket. I may go back to it a bit this weekend, as I'm itching to start some of my new projects (Yarn bought at Stiches East, etc.) but I won't start something new until this jacket is DONE!

Tenacious S! (Socks, That Is)

I finished my Embossed corded Rib Socks, made out of the Socks that Rock Peaseblossom. I do like how they turned out, although there is a lot of pooling...I guess it's to be expected. They fit well and that STR yarn is COMFY!


My darling daughter, who just turned 14 yesterday (Happy Birthday, Honey!) has asked me to knit her socks for the first time. Yay! We ordered a lovely skein of Fearless Fibers sock yarn in the pretty blue "Sky and Clouds" Colorway.

The request was for a simple pair of socks, just stockinette. As there wouldn't be much challenge there, I decided to try knitting the socks from the toe up--something I haven't done yet in the 5 pair of socks I've completed. I had the Knitty Widdershins pattern and thought I'd give it a try.

WELL...last night I tried "Judy's Magic Cast On," which is what is recommended in the pattern. Couldn't do it. Then I went to Sensational Knitted Socks and tried almost all of the toe-up cast-ons suggested there. No go. My needles kept slipping, the stitches were twisting...you name it. This morning, I tried again, and found a great site on Knitty where Wendy offers several variations on the toe-up cast-on. While I was shying away from the ones that used a provisional cast on--since I'd not done that yet either--she noted that the one using this method was very easy. So I gave it a shot--and it finally worked! I even unzipped that provisional cast-on like a dream--what a thrill!!


I am now almost done with the toe and while it was definitely awkward at the beginning, it is now getting much easier and I think knitting the socks toe-up will make it much easier to achieve a perfect fit for my girl! I'm proud of myself for persevering; now when I see patterns written toe-up, I won't skip over them, thinking I can't do it. We'll see how the rest of the sock goes...

I am also plodding along on my Red Scarf Project Scarf (which I'm enjoying) and hope to finish it on time. My Pink Suede Jacket is getting less fun--I think I am coming to the conclusion that I much prefer knitting with wool or cotton than some type of synthetic. But I will finish it, in time.

Tenacious S! (Socks, That Is)

I finished my Embossed corded Rib Socks, made out of the Socks that Rock Peaseblossom. I do like how they turned out, although there is a lot of pooling...I guess it's to be expected. They fit well and that STR yarn is COMFY!


My darling daughter, who just turned 14 yesterday (Happy Birthday, Honey!) has asked me to knit her socks for the first time. Yay! We ordered a lovely skein of Fearless Fibers sock yarn in the pretty blue "Sky and Clouds" Colorway.

The request was for a simple pair of socks, just stockinette. As there wouldn't be much challenge there, I decided to try knitting the socks from the toe up--something I haven't done yet in the 5 pair of socks I've completed. I had the Knitty Widdershins pattern and thought I'd give it a try.

WELL...last night I tried "Judy's Magic Cast On," which is what is recommended in the pattern. Couldn't do it. Then I went to Sensational Knitted Socks and tried almost all of the toe-up cast-ons suggested there. No go. My needles kept slipping, the stitches were twisting...you name it. This morning, I tried again, and found a great site on Knitty where Wendy offers several variations on the toe-up cast-on. While I was shying away from the ones that used a provisional cast on--since I'd not done that yet either--she noted that the one using this method was very easy. So I gave it a shot--and it finally worked! I even unzipped that provisional cast-on like a dream--what a thrill!!


I am now almost done with the toe and while it was definitely awkward at the beginning, it is now getting much easier and I think knitting the socks toe-up will make it much easier to achieve a perfect fit for my girl! I'm proud of myself for persevering; now when I see patterns written toe-up, I won't skip over them, thinking I can't do it. We'll see how the rest of the sock goes...

I am also plodding along on my Red Scarf Project Scarf (which I'm enjoying) and hope to finish it on time. My Pink Suede Jacket is getting less fun--I think I am coming to the conclusion that I much prefer knitting with wool or cotton than some type of synthetic. But I will finish it, in time.

My New Camera!

Today, Thanksgiving, I am giving thanks for my wonderful family, friends, good health...and my very cool new digital camera!
I had been using my daughter's camera for the shots I've taken for the blog, and then either emailing the pictures to myself or uploading them to a shared folder. My awesome new Nikon Coolpix S7c allows me to wirelessly transfer the pix to my computer or email them to me (or anyone else) from any wireless hotspot. I have not totally mastered all of its many functions, but one that will be great for the blog is the Macro Close-up Mode, which will allow me to get down to the stitch level on my projects.
Here's the first knitting picture I took, of the leg of my Elongated Corded Rib Sock #2:

Pretty neat, right?

I also zoomed in on something I've been obsessing about: on my Pink Suede Jacket, I have completed the full 40-inch bottom piece (it wraps all around the body and you even knit in little i-Cord ties at each end. I picked up the stitches for the top part and then had to increase several stitches across, on a wrong-side row. After doing this using the purl in front then purl in back technique, I noticed (about 6 rows of 172 stitches later) that on the right side row, you could see the horizontal bars where I'd increased. I decided to rip back as I couldn't live with this. I then consulted one of my favorite books, The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques, and chose the "Make One" increase, as it was said to create an invisible increase on both knit and purl sides. It did, and I was much happier with the look of the piece, EXCEPT for one small area where a couple of stitches were somewhat loose--I tried a few repairs and I think it's finally at a point where it won't be noticeable. It is also in the right at the edge where the back and right-front meet, so that will help too.

So...I took one of the Macro-Closeups with the new camera to really see how that mistkae looks. The good news: I don't even think it's perceptible.
What do you think?



At any rate, although I am a perfectionist, I will not rip back again just for this. I'm enjoying this jacket, although the suede really is unforgiving in showing any type of error or unevenness of the knitting.

Time to go back to turkey-basting and hopefully sneak in a little more knitting!

My New Camera!

Today, Thanksgiving, I am giving thanks for my wonderful family, friends, good health...and my very cool new digital camera!
I had been using my daughter's camera for the shots I've taken for the blog, and then either emailing the pictures to myself or uploading them to a shared folder. My awesome new Nikon Coolpix S7c allows me to wirelessly transfer the pix to my computer or email them to me (or anyone else) from any wireless hotspot. I have not totally mastered all of its many functions, but one that will be great for the blog is the Macro Close-up Mode, which will allow me to get down to the stitch level on my projects.
Here's the first knitting picture I took, of the leg of my Elongated Corded Rib Sock #2:

Pretty neat, right?

I also zoomed in on something I've been obsessing about: on my Pink Suede Jacket, I have completed the full 40-inch bottom piece (it wraps all around the body and you even knit in little i-Cord ties at each end. I picked up the stitches for the top part and then had to increase several stitches across, on a wrong-side row. After doing this using the purl in front then purl in back technique, I noticed (about 6 rows of 172 stitches later) that on the right side row, you could see the horizontal bars where I'd increased. I decided to rip back as I couldn't live with this. I then consulted one of my favorite books, The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques, and chose the "Make One" increase, as it was said to create an invisible increase on both knit and purl sides. It did, and I was much happier with the look of the piece, EXCEPT for one small area where a couple of stitches were somewhat loose--I tried a few repairs and I think it's finally at a point where it won't be noticeable. It is also in the right at the edge where the back and right-front meet, so that will help too.

So...I took one of the Macro-Closeups with the new camera to really see how that mistkae looks. The good news: I don't even think it's perceptible.
What do you think?



At any rate, although I am a perfectionist, I will not rip back again just for this. I'm enjoying this jacket, although the suede really is unforgiving in showing any type of error or unevenness of the knitting.

Time to go back to turkey-basting and hopefully sneak in a little more knitting!

One Sock Down

Thanks to four days away from home and all of the associated chores that go with home, I actually finished the first of my Elongated Corded Rib Socks. I had been feeling rather ambivalent about this pattern, and have decided that some of the ribbed sock varieties aren't the most flattering for my calves. But with the beautiful Socks That Rock Peaseblossom yarn, I ended up liking the end result:



Now it's on to Sock #2!

I also got quite a bit done on the 40 inches I have to knit as the horizontal bottom of my Seventies Suede Jacket, out of nice bright hot pink Berocco Suede (the Belle Star Colorway), and I have about 6 inches done on my Red Scarf Project Scarf, and I have knitting group coming up on Friday so that will be another good opportunity to work on one of these projects....OR start one of the projects I got at Stitches. I will try to restrain myself from that so I don't have too many projects going at once.

One Sock Down

Thanks to four days away from home and all of the associated chores that go with home, I actually finished the first of my Elongated Corded Rib Socks. I had been feeling rather ambivalent about this pattern, and have decided that some of the ribbed sock varieties aren't the most flattering for my calves. But with the beautiful Socks That Rock Peaseblossom yarn, I ended up liking the end result:



Now it's on to Sock #2!

I also got quite a bit done on the 40 inches I have to knit as the horizontal bottom of my Seventies Suede Jacket, out of nice bright hot pink Berocco Suede (the Belle Star Colorway), and I have about 6 inches done on my Red Scarf Project Scarf, and I have knitting group coming up on Friday so that will be another good opportunity to work on one of these projects....OR start one of the projects I got at Stitches. I will try to restrain myself from that so I don't have too many projects going at once.

Organizing

I have been busy reading about everyone else's experience at Stitches East. So far, none of my Stitches purchases have been cracked open...

I did complete my three felted bowls from One Skein, which will be holiday gifts (check!)


I am making headway on my Elongated Corded Rib Socks, from Sensational Knitted Socks.


I want to finish them quickly because I'm thrilled to report that my daughter wants knitted socks! I've ordered a special skein of beautiful blue sock yarn from Fearless Fibers and can't wait to receive it and start the socks.

While still making my pink suede jacket, I have also started a scarf for the Red Scarf Project. Since it's not due until January, I can do a little at a time. I am using the Ann Budd pattern from Interweave's Website, and liking it very much so far. The yarn is a beautiful brick red colorway of Araucania Nature Wool, which I happened to score on sale at A.C. Moore.

One or all of these will accompany me on a four-day trip to visit my in-laws this coming weekend, where I hope to have lots of knitting time...

Organizing

I have been busy reading about everyone else's experience at Stitches East. So far, none of my Stitches purchases have been cracked open...

I did complete my three felted bowls from One Skein, which will be holiday gifts (check!)


I am making headway on my Elongated Corded Rib Socks, from Sensational Knitted Socks.


I want to finish them quickly because I'm thrilled to report that my daughter wants knitted socks! I've ordered a special skein of beautiful blue sock yarn from Fearless Fibers and can't wait to receive it and start the socks.

While still making my pink suede jacket, I have also started a scarf for the Red Scarf Project. Since it's not due until January, I can do a little at a time. I am using the Ann Budd pattern from Interweave's Website, and liking it very much so far. The yarn is a beautiful brick red colorway of Araucania Nature Wool, which I happened to score on sale at A.C. Moore.

One or all of these will accompany me on a four-day trip to visit my in-laws this coming weekend, where I hope to have lots of knitting time...

Stitches East!

I spent a lovely day Friday with my sister at Stitches East in Baltimore. I wish I could have stayed longer, but my wallet is thanking me for having a defined time to leave!
I had gone with a list and found everything on my list except for one item: Sock Blockers. I will put them on my "to buy" list and I'm sure one of these days I will find them.
As for what I bought:
--Two Shawl Pins, one a pretty jeweled and wood one from Great Yarns in Everett, WA (which happens to have the most beautiful items at the show every year), and one pretty silver corkscrew design from Brooks Farm Fiber


--Speaking of Brooks Farm, I bought two gorgeous hanks of Duet to make the Clapotis



--The Four Seasons Afghan Pattern and four skeins of Manos to start it off, at Rosie's Yarn Cellar



--A great deal on 10 balls of Noro for $69 to make Knitty's Tilt; I then went online and found two more balls in the same dyelot so I'll have enough for the sweater


--Also at Woolstock, a great sweater/shawl blocking kit, called the Fiber Fantasy Blocker Kit, which will come in handy now that I am busy making shawls.

It was so much fun to spend this day with my sister; she is just getting into knitting, and I was so pleased that she found beautiful yarn from Dancing Leaf Farm to make a cardigan. It turns out Dancing Leaf is close to where my sister lives, so she can even go there to get help if she needs it.

The one thing about getting such a large amount of loot at Stitches is that it does prevent me from patronizing LYS's, but it's just such a fun experience, seeing everyone wearing their gorgeous handknit items and being in such a wonderful community of knitters. Besides, some of the items (like the Brooks Farm yarn) just isn't available in LYS's.

Right now I am in the midst of making three of the Felted Bowls from One Skein. They will be my hand-knit holiday gifts for officemates this year, perhaps filled with some pretty hard candies.

Stitches East!

I spent a lovely day Friday with my sister at Stitches East in Baltimore. I wish I could have stayed longer, but my wallet is thanking me for having a defined time to leave!
I had gone with a list and found everything on my list except for one item: Sock Blockers. I will put them on my "to buy" list and I'm sure one of these days I will find them.
As for what I bought:
--Two Shawl Pins, one a pretty jeweled and wood one from Great Yarns in Everett, WA (which happens to have the most beautiful items at the show every year), and one pretty silver corkscrew design from Brooks Farm Fiber


--Speaking of Brooks Farm, I bought two gorgeous hanks of Duet to make the Clapotis



--The Four Seasons Afghan Pattern and four skeins of Manos to start it off, at Rosie's Yarn Cellar



--A great deal on 10 balls of Noro for $69 to make Knitty's Tilt; I then went online and found two more balls in the same dyelot so I'll have enough for the sweater


--Also at Woolstock, a great sweater/shawl blocking kit, called the Fiber Fantasy Blocker Kit, which will come in handy now that I am busy making shawls.

It was so much fun to spend this day with my sister; she is just getting into knitting, and I was so pleased that she found beautiful yarn from Dancing Leaf Farm to make a cardigan. It turns out Dancing Leaf is close to where my sister lives, so she can even go there to get help if she needs it.

The one thing about getting such a large amount of loot at Stitches is that it does prevent me from patronizing LYS's, but it's just such a fun experience, seeing everyone wearing their gorgeous handknit items and being in such a wonderful community of knitters. Besides, some of the items (like the Brooks Farm yarn) just isn't available in LYS's.

Right now I am in the midst of making three of the Felted Bowls from One Skein. They will be my hand-knit holiday gifts for officemates this year, perhaps filled with some pretty hard candies.

The Sock Saga Continues!

I received my buttons for the "Rock and Weave" socks today. I like them and am now happily wearing my buttoned socks. Here's how they look:


It's kind of hard to see the button colors in the pictures (it's raining and dark and more of the same is predicted for tomorrow...I just wanted to get the pictures up!), but there is one aqua and one purple on each sock, and I reversed which one was on top on each. I'm pleased with them.

As for my next pair of Socks that Rock, I've done a few pattern rows of Hedera. I love the pattern, but it doesn't seem to be working with the STR yarn:


I realized that for Hedera, a solid color would work much better. I even emailed the pattern-writer,Cookie (whose blog is great!)and she confirmed that this is probably true. She gave me a great tip: when you want to see how others have done a pattern, do a search on flickr and you'll get lots of examples! Once I get my new camera I will set up a flickr site of my own. It's a lovely way to keep an online photo album and share it with others.

Anyway...since I'm not that far into the socks, I think I'm going to rip them YET AGAIN and try one of the patterns in Sensational Knitted Socks--either the Baby Cable Rib or the Elongated Cable Rib, which are more solid (less lacy) and should show off the STR much better. I just found a Knit-a-long for this book too, so that should be fun and helpful as I progress. I continue to marvel at the depth and breadth of the online knitting community!

I also need to decide in the next few days whether or not I will renew my STR club membership. It's so tempting, but I've just joined the Sundara sock yarn club, and it might be nice to try some of the Etsy vendors too. We'll see.

The Sock Saga Continues!

I received my buttons for the "Rock and Weave" socks today. I like them and am now happily wearing my buttoned socks. Here's how they look:


It's kind of hard to see the button colors in the pictures (it's raining and dark and more of the same is predicted for tomorrow...I just wanted to get the pictures up!), but there is one aqua and one purple on each sock, and I reversed which one was on top on each. I'm pleased with them.

As for my next pair of Socks that Rock, I've done a few pattern rows of Hedera. I love the pattern, but it doesn't seem to be working with the STR yarn:


I realized that for Hedera, a solid color would work much better. I even emailed the pattern-writer,Cookie (whose blog is great!)and she confirmed that this is probably true. She gave me a great tip: when you want to see how others have done a pattern, do a search on flickr and you'll get lots of examples! Once I get my new camera I will set up a flickr site of my own. It's a lovely way to keep an online photo album and share it with others.

Anyway...since I'm not that far into the socks, I think I'm going to rip them YET AGAIN and try one of the patterns in Sensational Knitted Socks--either the Baby Cable Rib or the Elongated Cable Rib, which are more solid (less lacy) and should show off the STR much better. I just found a Knit-a-long for this book too, so that should be fun and helpful as I progress. I continue to marvel at the depth and breadth of the online knitting community!

I also need to decide in the next few days whether or not I will renew my STR club membership. It's so tempting, but I've just joined the Sundara sock yarn club, and it might be nice to try some of the Etsy vendors too. We'll see.

Socktoberfest!

I finally finished my Socks That Rock "Rock and Weave" socks. They came out very cute, and I've loved the STR Yarn. I was jealous looking at everyone's Rhinebeck pictures--I am DEFINITELY going next year!--and seeing the range of STR Colors that The Fold had on display.

This was the first pair of socks that I've felt the need to block. I may invest in sock blockers, like those made by Fiber Trends, but in the meantime I went the homemade route with a bendable hanger, as shown here. It's actually worked pretty well.

As these socks require buttons, I ordered some from Button Shoppe online and should have them soon. Pictures of the completed socks to come!

For my next skein of Socks that Rock, I tried the pattern that had come with the skein of the lightweight. The pattern is called "Hippy Crunchy," and I just wasn't liking it after the first few rows. There is a sssk part that was making me crazy! So I settled on Knitty's Hedera, which looks like it will compliment the yarn beautifully; this pattern has a lacy feel and the pattern is interesting without being frustrating. Will keep you posted on how they're coming along.

Socktoberfest!

I finally finished my Socks That Rock "Rock and Weave" socks. They came out very cute, and I've loved the STR Yarn. I was jealous looking at everyone's Rhinebeck pictures--I am DEFINITELY going next year!--and seeing the range of STR Colors that The Fold had on display.

This was the first pair of socks that I've felt the need to block. I may invest in sock blockers, like those made by Fiber Trends, but in the meantime I went the homemade route with a bendable hanger, as shown here. It's actually worked pretty well.

As these socks require buttons, I ordered some from Button Shoppe online and should have them soon. Pictures of the completed socks to come!

For my next skein of Socks that Rock, I tried the pattern that had come with the skein of the lightweight. The pattern is called "Hippy Crunchy," and I just wasn't liking it after the first few rows. There is a sssk part that was making me crazy! So I settled on Knitty's Hedera, which looks like it will compliment the yarn beautifully; this pattern has a lacy feel and the pattern is interesting without being frustrating. Will keep you posted on how they're coming along.

The Final Word on the Sonoma Shawl

I took the shawl off the blocking board today. I gained about 4-5 inches with the blocking, and I'm happy with the finished product. Take a look:



I do still want to make a big, flowing shawl--something kind of like this one, or one of the nice Fiddlesticks shawls, or the Clapotis, or the Half-Pi Shawl for which I already have yarn...

Anyway, I'm going to wear the new one tonight and enjoy it. At Stitches East, I'll search for a beautiful shawl pin to top it all off.

The Final Word on the Sonoma Shawl

I took the shawl off the blocking board today. I gained about 4-5 inches with the blocking, and I'm happy with the finished product. Take a look:



I do still want to make a big, flowing shawl--something kind of like this one, or one of the nice Fiddlesticks shawls, or the Clapotis, or the Half-Pi Shawl for which I already have yarn...

Anyway, I'm going to wear the new one tonight and enjoy it. At Stitches East, I'll search for a beautiful shawl pin to top it all off.

One Skein!

I had participated in the One Skein Secret Pal Exchange over the summer, but hadn't really gone through the book carefully. After finishing my Sonoma Shawl the other night, I felt like doing something quick, and something that would make a small dent in my stash!

I chose "The Clutch You'll Never Give Up," and started it yesterday at knitting group. It was so easy and fun; the Colinette Point 5 was such a blast to knit up, and then while my family watched the Mets lose last night, I finished! I felted today and I'm really pleased with the results. The two yarns look wonderful together, and the Aussi Wool Yarn is absolutely wonderful for felting. Here are before and after felting photos:






Now I'm considering the gloves from the One Skein Book...perhaps to use up some pretty cherry-colored Debbie Bliss Cashmerino that is waiting to be used.

For today, I'm about to start a cute "70's Suede Jacket" in Hot Pink Berroco Suede, a pattern I've been holding for about a year and that originally appeared in one of the Better Homes Knit It! Magazines.