WIP Wednesday

Blathnat

Clue 3 (almost finished on sock 1)

some of the pattern continues down the back of the heel

Patchwork Socks

I didn't get much knitting done on the socks so far this week.  I did get part of Clue 3 done on the fingerless mitts and the soles to some slippers done.  And I finished 3 books so far this week!  (not a bad week so far)

WIP Wednesday

Socks!!!

...and it is the beginning of a new month. You know what that means...yep, another sock to start!

WIP Wednesday

I've been working on socks (no big surprise)...

Of course I started the new Sock Knitter Anonymous (SKA) May Mystery Sock (clue 1 finished on one sock). And I couldn't resist starting the Solid Sock May/June Mystery Sock (clue 1 finished on one sock). I did work on the SKA March Mystery Sock (I know, it's now too late for them to qualify for a prize but I still want to finish them). And I did work a teeny bit on the Solid Sock April/May Mystery Sock (I have until the end of May to finish them)

But mostly I've been knitting on the test knit...

I'm loving the pattern! I did start out with the recommended needle size which is for a man's sock. But! I think I'll be keeping these for myself so I went down a needle size after 4".

And then I spent a few hours playing with yarn colors (I have the SSYC colorcards) to see what combination I could come up with for some striped socks. Yep, I'm toying with the idea of knitting a pair of stripey socks for the SSYC Summer of Color sock contest. (I don't want to mention I looked at colors for a mosaic sock... I'd probably be way over-extending myself trying to knit two pairs of socks for the contest in addition to the other socks I have on the needles!)

WIP Wednesday

One of two...

... and now to start the mate.

I thought it was going to be tight because of the cables but I am happy to say it does fit.

WIP Wednesday

Yep... still working on the SKA March Mystery Sock


I'm done with the guesset decreases and now starting the foot.

I am still loving this pattern. I do need to start the second sock. I may have a chance to finish these by the end of April to be able to qualify for a prize... maybe...







You do know that tomorrow is April 1st and the start of the next SKA challenge ... I think I may do a Cookie A pattern from the Sock Innovation book... maybe.

WIP Wednesday - March

SOCKS!
.....of course!! My favorite (or one of my favorite) things to knit....

Why yes, I do have three socks projects going on at the same time. They are all three different so I have a little variety and am never bored with the patterns.

First up is a test knit. I am test knitting this pattern for Bev Warner at My Little Room.

I am using Shelridge Farm (85% wool/15% nylon) in color Toasted Allspice and dpns US2. The yarn is from Simply Sock Yarn Co sock club.

I love cables and this pattern has cables! It is hard to see the pattern with the dark yarn but hopefully as I get more done, you'll be able to see it better.





Second is the SKA Sockdown! Mystery Sock. (I know, I know... but I couldn't resist!)

Clue 1 (which I am only half way done with it)

I am using Simply Sock Yarn Co., Seacoast Handpainted Yarns - Limited Edition - Lagoon (it was one of the sock club yarns) and Hiya Hiya 9" circular needle US 1/2.25m. I am using marker for the repeat sections.

A great pattern so far! It has twisted stitches, cables and yarn overs!



And the third sock... my pattern. I am working up a sock for the SA Knifty Knitters TKGA guild for their March meeting. We will be starting a knit along (kal).

I'm using Trekking Pro Natura (75% wool/25% bamboo) color 1506 (green) and dpns US 1/2.25m. Yarn purchased at lys Wool n Cotton Shop.

I have most of the pattern written but still have to tweak it some.




Enough of a break... I'm off to knit some more... on SOCKS!!

Casting On for 2010

Casting on for the new year...
...a baby sweater for the new, soon to be born, granddaughter.

And you thought I'd only be working on WIPs, hahahahaha, my fingers were itching to start something new.
So yesterday, while watching Ohio State trounce Oregon, I started the new year by casting on for a new knitting project.

But! just so you know... I did finish one of the WIPs...(actually finished these on New Year's Eve)
Yep, the yeller socks are done!! I love the pattern but still not crazy about yellow. But I think I'll keep these ones for myself.

One WIP sock project down, three (sock mates) to go. (and no, I can't wear two unmatched socks, 'bless your heart')

A mystery no more

Ta da!
... a finished sock!! and you can see the second sock has been started.

I was a bit worried that this sock would be too small for me but I tried it on and it fits! Yea! So on to knitting the second one.

Even though I like the pattern I'm not too crazy about the dutch heel turn. And of course, yellow is not my color. So the next pair will NOT be yellow... maybe blue...

September's WIP Wednesday

Here is the Sep09 Mystery Sock done through Clue2 (yes, it is only one sock done)

front & back
I love the pattern. Not so sure about the color yellow. But the socks are turning out nice and the yarn is wonderful!

And I'm lovin' the 9" circulars!!
I did the heel flap on dpns and then back to the circular after turning the heel. I did place markers for the instep stitches (a visual to remind me to decrease for the gusset rounds)

And lastly for today (but by no means the last wip I have, lol)
Della Mitts
probably not enough done to tell anything yet...
Yarn: Louet Gems
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony dpns US 2

SKA Sockdown! Sep

The Sock Knitters Anonymous (SKA) has started the new year Sockdown!

Sockdown! Sep's technique is "Yellow" Yep, you read right... "Yellow." The socks can be any pattern knitted in yellow or any pattern by Wendy Johnson in any color. And there is also a choice for this month of doing the mystery sock designed by Nancy Bush. Of course the mystery sock has to be done in "Yellow."

I'm doing the Mystery Sock. "Yellow" is not my favorite color but hey... I'm game.

I emailed Allison at Simply Sock Yarn Co. to see if she had her company yarn available. She had a couple of skeins of "Yellow" left from Sock Summit. yea!!

So I am using Simply Sock Yarn, Hand Dyed, Solid Sock Yarn in Sunflower.
Beautiful color, soft, nice smoochiness, feels great to knit, and I love the way the stitches look.

So far I have clue #1 done ...
The Vikkel Braid is a little fiddly but I love the way it looks! I can't wait for next week and clue #2.

Distracted...

I know, I know...
I should be working on
Monkey by Cookie A using Knit Picks Memories in color Cape Cod. (I don't think this yarn is available now) I am knitting these socks as part of FGF: The Sock Group Cookie A KAL. I need to have these finished by the end of May.

OR

Lauren by Monica Jines using Schaefer Yarn Heather color Grandpa's Overalls.

I'm knitting these for the Sock Knitters Anonymous Sockdown! May. At least I have until the end of June to get these done.

BUT

I was momentarily distracted by
the Berry Stitch Sachet!

I enjoyed knitting the berry stitch on my Blueberry Styx Bag, I had to make a little sachet using that stitch. Isn't it cute!! It measures about 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" and only took about 3 hrs to make.

I used Sandnes Yarn Mandarin Petit 100% cotton and size 4 straight needles. Yes, I did have to seam the sides. Now the challenge will be to work it up using dpns.

I see many more of these little bags in my future... they will make great Christmas gifts!
But for now... back to socks.

Finito

Ho finito il calzinos. I have finished the socks. I give you Blackrose by Suzi Anvin:

Yeah!!! I have finished in time to qualify for a prize. And I love the socks! I would definitely knit this pattern again. But... I won't right now.

I had planned on working on my Old Shale Scarf while visiting the grandkids next week. And I thought I'd start a sock for the FGF: The Sock Group. BUT, my friend has side tracked me with a bag project. I saw her's and off course I have to make one!!

So what little knitting time I squeeze in while visiting the grandkids, I'll be working on the bag.

WIP Wednesday

... and one totally finished Baby Surprise Jacket.

Just in case you thought I never "totally" finish anything besides socks. (haha)
I sewed the shoulder seams and added the cute frog buttons.


I have been working on the Sockdown! Mar socks, Blackrose. I am on the downward slope... finishing up the gusset and heading towards the foot. I think I'll finish in time to qualify for a prize! And if I get a few more projects done, I'll join in for Sockdown! May (cables/twisted stitches or the Mystery sock). I luv cables!!


I am about halfway through the Styx Old Shale Scarf. I still haven't decided if I want to continue or if I should place it on a holder and start the other side and then join them together. I do like to see the pattern traveling the same way on both sides. But it is so nice just to be able to knit this scarf and not worry if I left enough yarn for the other side. Just keep going until I run out of yarn.


Here is a close-up of the pattern:

The colors are much deeper than the picture shows (it must be the flash).

I have also been working on designing a small project. The designing and surfing the internet (read Ravelry) must be why the two other WIPs have not been worked on lately. So there is no new updated pictures of them.

Guess I'll work on a sock while I "ponder" the scarf's fate.

Back to normal...

almost?! (as normal as we can be)

We have been busy moving into our house and we finally feel like we've gotten a lot done and can take a break. The stuff is out of storage and sitting in our garage. All the stuff is out of the RV. We got the bed put together, we have a couch to sit on, and I went grocery shopping so we now have food to cook.

Yes, I do remember how to cook!! For our first meal, I made grilled cheese and tomato soup. (hey! what can I say, we like it) It was my first time cooking on a glass, flat top electric stove. It works well. I'll just have to remember how to cook on an electric stove because we've had a gas stove for many years.

And, I did get a little knitting done in between lining shelves and putting stuff away.

I finished the right sock for the Sockdown! Mar kal, Blackrose. And I started the left sock. I think I have a good chance of finishing these socks before the end of April.

I have so much going on I will probably will skip Sockdown! Apr. (but you never know...)

I almost forgot to start my scarf for the OT: FGF Insanity queue-a-long. We have until the end of Mar to start something from our ravelry queue. I have been trying to find the right pattern for this sumptuous yarn and may have found it ...

Old Shale Scarf by Tiennie. I am using a superwash merino and bamboo blend from Gaia's Colours. The yarn has a nice sheen to it and a lush feel; it is wonderful to knit with it. I am using the same yarn, different color, for my Blackrose socks.

About the Baby Surprise Jacket...

I have all the knitting done. Now I just have to sew the shoulder seams and add the buttons. The sweater is a little big for a newborn (Braiden, born Mar 27th) but I think I'll give it to him anyway. He can wear it next fall.

Now that I've made this surprise jacket, I may have to try one for an adult. BUT, that is way in the future. I have some other projects to get done first!

Finished Sockdown! Feb

Yeah!! I finally finished the Sockdown! Feb socks.

Even with all the other knitting projects wanting my attention, I managed to finish Kaibashira socks.

I am very pleased with these socks. The pattern was easy and actually did knit up fast. Of course the Knit Picks Gloss is yummy! I've used Gloss for fingerless gloves and they feel wonderful on my hands so I expect the socks to feel just as good on my feet.

Now on to finish Sockdown! Mar. (Notice I'm not mentioning the two fingerless glove projects I have going on)

WIP Wednesday

Today a WIP update:

Sockdown! Feb. I did finish one sock and started the other. (Good thing I have until the end of Mar to finish it in order to qualify for a prize)















Sockdown! Mar. This month's challenge is to use the technique of lace, or a pattern by Cat Bordhi, or the Mystery Sock. (I'm all for the Mystery Sock but have to wait until I have a free set of needles.)

I had started the sock Blackrose by Suzi Anvin using a superwash merino/bamboo blend by Gaia's Colours. The colorway is Dionysus (sort of a dark purple). I am loving this yarn; it is soooo soft and feels wonderful on the hand. The color does look dark which is perfect for the pattern Blackrose!















The Blueberry Tea Mitts are coming along fine. I love cables and this is a wonderful pattern by Paula McKeever. The yarn is Knit Picks Gloss Dusk (blue of course!!).















One of the Mar Fingerless Glove Fanatics (fgf) kal is Swan Maiden Mitts by Holly Terrell. I am using Malabrigo Kettled Dyed Violeta Africana (leftovers from a previous sock I did) fingering weight on size 1 dpn. I was afraid it was working up too small but I think it will come out alright. The ribbing part is suppose to be tighter right?















The Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman.
I have not made one before and our Quilt/Yarn/Cross-Stitch shop offered a class. I thought it was a great opportunity to learn how this "surprise" worked. I was hoping it would be a little smaller (like for a newborn) but at least I'll learn the technique and can make a smaller one. I'm using Lambs Pride Superwash in Mint Cream and Lemon Ice on size 7 needles.














***on a side note***
Today's horoscope:
"You could be doing a lot of serious thinking today, and it ought to be a good time to work on any projects that require intense focus and concentration."
Like lace, right?!

Sockdown! February

Kaibashira Sock:

One of the designers for the February Sockdown challenge is Chrissy Gardner. She has many lovely designs (her Ravelry link is here) but I chose Kaibashira. I have never done anything like the scalloped edge before. And the sock does not have the traditional ribbing for the cuff.

So part of my challenge was casting on 187 stitches on the dpn size 2.5mm! I thought I had read the pattern wrong. What?! 187!! What kinda sock am I making here? I know I usually cast on 64. So I read further down and saw where I would end up with 66 sts. Oh... ok, that's better.

So I cast on (twice) (wrong yarn choice the first time) and then proceeded. What a neat idea! taking stitches off the left needle over top of the first stitch. That is how it decreased and made the scallop! It was a challenge to make sure the stitches didn't fall off the needle before I got to them : )

The yarn is Knit Picks Gloss, color Cosmos. The true yarn color is dark like the first picture. I wanted you to see the scallops close-up but I think the flash lightened the yarn color.

You do know that this sock is not my only project going on, don't you? It just wouldn't be right to knit one thing at a time!

So, what HAVE you been doing?

Well...
I was getting over a cold. It kicked my butt! I was in bed for two days and then spent the other days just sitting there being miserable. I am finally feeling better (but still have the sniffles and cough) and now my husband has it!!

I did finish a pair of fingerless gloves that I was test knitting. But I can't show pictures of them until after February 1st. It is for the Ravelry group Fingerless Gloves Fanatics February KAL.

I finished the scarf and it is blocking:


We are going to Ohio for my father-in-law's 80th birthday. And so I decided my husband needed a hat for the c-o-l-d Ohio weather. : )
So I started one:

It will match his fingerless gloves. (And I hope to have it done this weekend)

So then I stopped to wind some yarn...


I want to knit the Sockdown! Jan Mystery socks. It involves beads! So I had to order some beads (haven't received them yet). In the meantime, I wound the yarn I hope to use (if the beads match ok).

It is Knit Picks Gloss, color Cosmos. I love this yarn! It is so soft, 70% merino wool, 30% silk. I've made four pairs of fingerless gloves out of this yarn and it is time to make a pair of socks out of it.

I also wound some Kollage Lucsious sock yarn (63% cotton, 37% nylon). I need to make a sample pair of socks for a sock class.


And then I HAD TO wind a few cakes of Cascade 220 the Heathers for my Must Have Cardigan.
Colonial Blue. I love blue! It is such a soft blue color. And I love cables. I have wanted to knit a sweater with cables.

I am anxious to start my sweater and had to do a gauge swatch. I got gauge! So time to cast on!!

I haven't even mentioned the fingerless gloves I want to start...
Ambitious list to start out the new year, don't ya think?