Thursday, June 30, 2005

Anniversary Socks?

Okay, okay, I don't just have Orangina on the needles...YES...I am knitting a sock. I'm just having a go at it all on my own...confident in my sock knitting capabilites now. This time, I am bringing the simple 2x2 ribbing down the instep. Boring I know, but the crazy colours of this Knit Picks Sock Garden "Zinnia" begged for a simple pattern.

The nailpolish matching was not preplanned...I painted them weeks ago!

So I have been thinking about socks...as you may have noticed. I will get my hands on this book...and really can't wait for this book!

The parental units have a wedding anniversary coming up in July and I was thinking about somehow combining my obession with socks and Elizabeth Zimmermans Anniversary Pullover pattern in the IK summer 2004. Page 61 for those of you who are following along. I will come up with an Anniversary Sock pattern...and knit them for mid July. (I hope!)

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Harry is complete!

Another FO! I am finally freeing up my needles. Here is "Harry", being modeled by the not-so-happy-to-participate-in-your-photo-taking 18m old.


Started: May 24, 2005
Finished: June 27, 2005
Yarn: King Cole 4 Seasons DK 50% cotton 50% acrylic
Pattern: "Harry" from Rowan Pipsqueaks
Adjustments: Did a couple more increases in the arms to accommodate for the slightly smaller gauge. I didn't work on it that often. I would say it could be knit in a weekend no problem. I just decided to get something completed...so Orangina has no other competition for completion.
The pattern is an oversized sweater, but it still is a little big! But that's ok, this will be a Christmas Gift...what every 2yr old wishes for!

Monday, June 27, 2005

I am still practicing for your socks Sockapal2za Pal!

It is true...I have been practicing like crazy for my sock pals socks. I am a little nervous about making socks for someone else. They just have to be perfect! My sock pal lives in a warm climate so I am awaiting my order of Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton sock yarn. Hopefully one of the colours I chose on line will work with whatever pattern I finally decide on. We have till September people...stop rushing me!

Here is another practice pair!

Started: June 23, 2005
Finished: June 26, 2005
Pattern: Alison's Ankle Socks
Yarn: DB Baby Cashmerino in cream
Adjustments: I added 4 sts because of the gauge and turned the heel until I had 10sts between YO instead of 8. Thank you Alison for the tips on getting the edges of the grafting correct. They are now perfect!

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Holy Mother of a Yarn Sale!

There is something about entering a yarn store that has a sign posted in the front door that reads:
ALL YARN 40% OFF.
You sort of have to catch your breath. Your mind is going a mile a minute. What project do you need yarn for? What yarn do you just need? What are my Christmas Gift projects? Socks...oh socks. It is so overwhelming that you may pass out!
So I felt every ball or skein of yarn on the shelves...tried to get my mind in order...drooled a bit...then asked if they had shopping carts.

The first haul I tried to be practical. REALLY how much yarn could you possible have time to knit in the next 50 years. (Please also picture that my husband is outside the front of the store with the children in the wagon...waiting to venture to more interesting stores of the sidewalk sale.) 8 balls of Jo Sharp Silkroad Tweed for one major project. 7 balls of DB Baby Cashmerino for socks and a couple balls of cotton in pink and blue for Maria's baby (if it ever comes out I will make it a little baby hat.) Practical...all knittable.
Well, once home, I noticed that I had a dye lot problem with the baby cashmerino. So, I just had to go back the next day! Only to exchange the dye lots...really. Well, I thought because of adjustments to the the pattern for the tweed, I needed two more balls...then what about the Elizabeth Lavold "Silky Wool". I haven't tried that...and "branching out " would make lovely Christmas or birthday gifts. So maybe I got a purple, pink, orange and a couple blues. They all will be gifts I tell you...really.

That brings me to dropping Orangina once again, and swatching the tweed. This particular pattern is in IK spring 2005. It will be the first of many SCP's (Secret Christmas Projects). I am using the Jo Sharp Silkroad Tweed dk in a lovely shade of Wintergrass Green.

This is going to be just gorgeous! Don't worry Orangina...I'll be back.

Friday, June 24, 2005

Picking up Orangina

Poor Orangina has been neglected. I have finished the back and started the front...and then I left her for socks. Dropped her like she was yesterdays news. This weekend will be all about Orangina.

What. What sock? What are you talking about....I said I wasn't going to knit another until my sockapal2za yarn comes in. That's not a hand knit sock...nnnnnnnooooooooooo. I mean it does look a little like Alisons Ankle Socks...but come on...in baby cashmerino...

Edited:
All knitters...high alert...can't breathe...sidewalk sale...the LYS has 40% off ALL...thats right...ALL in stock yarn...OMG!

Thursday, June 23, 2005

The Baby Blanket

Finally...finished. To knit a baby blanket...something like an endless ball of yarn. It just keeps going and going. Stephanie has some thoughts on baby blanket making!



Started: May 17, 2005
Finished: June23, 2005
Yarn: Knit Picks "Shine" in cream. 8 balls
Pattern: Debbie Bliss baby shawl from "Special Knits"
Adjustments: None. I just kept knitting and knitting...and knitting...
Baby Due Date: July 5, 2005...plenty of time!

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

For you mom!


Started: June 17, 2005
Finished: June 20, 2005
Pattern: Pricilla's Dream Socks from Interweave Press online patterns
Yarn: Knit Picks "Sock Garden" in Hydrangea
Adjustments: No real adjustments, I did shorten the leg a little.

For fear that this is turning into a sockblog...I promise not to start another sock until I finish one of my WIP...well, unless my sockapal2za yarn comes in...
That's all I have to say.

Monday, June 20, 2005

Coming out of the closet.

Hi my name is Carolyn and I am addicted to knitting socks. I have neglected all of my other projects (who sit innocently on needles, awaiting the next stitch) to make socks.
I have a problem.
As soon as I finished weaving in the ends of the cabled rib socks...I cast on for some crazy striped socks.
The yarn is Knitpicks (yes I seem to have an obsession with them lately). It is from the sock garden collection...hydrangea is the name. The merino wool is so soft and reminds me of some Koigu...not the same...but similar. Actually looks like the same colourway of some KPP that I have in my stash.
I decided mom needed these socks...so while we were there to visit, I knit the first sock.

Here is mom...in the sock.
A little short in the toe I think...so mom...I ripped out the toe when I got home. After three attempts to do the toe in short rows, over the top and grafting together under the toes...I finally got it. Turns out I did the backwards yo incorrectly for the heel...but that is our little secret. Sock one is complete and sock two has rounded the heel and is heading for the toe.

I have no real ideas for my sockapal2za socks yet.
I dug through the stash and found some "esprit" Sock it to me collection yarn and tried to get gauge for the "Pretty Comfty Socks". But I need larger needles...I knit too tight. The white yarn isn't doing it for me either. She (the sock pal) lives in a warm climate, so I am wanting to do something in a cotton blend. I prefer the simplicity of solid coloured yarn that will showcase a beautiful pattern. Don't know yet...I better get on it soon...

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Victory...Sweet Victory!

Beautiful socks.



Start: June 13, 2005
Finish: June 17, 2005
Pattern: "Cable Rib Socks" from Interweave Knits spring 2005
Yarn: Meilenweit Lana Grossa colour#1284 80% wool 20% nylon
Adjustments: The only thing I did was shorten the leg...I can't stand socks too high. I left out two cables.

Love these socks...love them. I will make another pair in another colour. I also think that I will make them a touch longer in the toe next time...I seem to have long toes so the 2" for the toes isn't enough...another 1/8" would be perfect.

Friday, June 17, 2005

A little knitting progress on "Harry"

I was feeling guilty not working on "Harry". I hate starting things and not finishing...but there is no rush for a turtle neck this time of year. At any rate, I needed to keep it moving...it does knit quickly with this yarn.

Front and back are done, and I have started knitting the sleeves at the same time so I increase the same. Oh 3x3 ribbing...what a bore.
I tried to adapt short rows in to the shoulders but failed at the attempt. I like to learn a new technique with every project. I just don't really get short rows yet...I can do them with instruction but have trouble just applying them to any project. Any help? The next pair of socks I do I want to do the heel flap and gusset area in short rows as I have seen others knitters do. I am sure once I tackle short rows enough I will eventually get it. Nonaknits has a great section on short rows...I must take the time to sit at the computer, yarn in hand and have at it!

Thank you Kathy for the lovely thank you note and beautiful magnet...you are so kind...I will test knit for you anytime!

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Have no fear sockapal2za pal!

I bet you worried that I was your sock pal...wondering if you may receive some ugly socks....oh no my friend, oh no...check out this baby...

Oh yeah, if I must say so, it is gorgeous! I love this sock. I just couldn't put it down. I brought it outside in the heat yesterday as the kiddies swam in the kiddy pool...wool in the heat...gotta love it! I worked on it all last night, SnB night at my place...and finished the toe while drinking my coffee this morning. Oh it is a good day! I will cast on for the mate soon...but first I must organize some closets...they are driving me crazy...then on to the second sock.
So dear sock pal...have no fear. I can knit socks. Really, I can. I will search for the perfect yarn...it will be fine...no concerns here...

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Warning...sock knitting may be addictive.

It is true. Knitting socks is addictive. There is so much knitting and knowledge that goes into this little sock, how can you resist? So I cast on for the "Cable Rib Socks" from IK Spring 2005. Here she is..

Yes, that is a candle holder...I thought it worked! The yarn looks a little purple in the photo...it's actually a shade of red.

Please offer me some sock knitting knowledge...please. I have joined the infamous sockapal2za, and I don't want my sock pal to receive anything close to the "ugly socks". I usually use the internet as my knitting resource...but what is your favourite sock knitting book? Favourite heel? Cast on? How do I reinforce any of it? Help, help, help. Any tidbit of sock knowledge will ensure some beautiful socks for my pal!

And now...some crazy sock yarn from Knitpicks. I also ordered the "Shine" colour chart as well...glad I did, the colours are much better that what they appear on line...love that pink!

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Thank you...you are so kind!

First of all...THANK YOU all for your wonderful comments on the "grumpy t"! I must say it is a great pattern...go knit one for yourselves...they are all about instant gratification! Grumperina out did herself! I love knitters who offer patterns!

What to do while at the inlaws...well, knit of course! We also made a trip to "Storeybook Gardens" a great place for the boys to run wild in the heat...they had a great water play area too...I'm sure symptoms of some disease we caught will show up in 3-5 days!
I was able to visit the local knitting shop which I have mixed feelings about. I was looking into the addi turbo bamboos...but was disappointed in them. They seem to have a strange join on them that I know my yarn will catch on...no thanks. So I settle for some clovers that I need for the ribbing on Orangina. Couldn't leave with just that...

A little sock yarn...and stocking up on some needles!

I worked on "Orangina" and completed the back. It knits quickly and really looks like something! I shortened the patterned area by an inch and will probably need much more ribbing to get down past the rollage...I think it will look much better...a little more shape.

Now, months ago I fell in love with the interweave knits magazine. I subscribed and then a couple days later ordered some back issues. I got the back issues about a week later...and still am waiting for my summer issue! So I emailed to find out what's up...well I have to wait 6-8 weeks. WWWWHHHHAAATTTEEEEVVVVERRRR! So I can expect it in July...about a week before the fall one will arrive. Just intime for summer knits. Great. Then I get an email from interweave press saying they had a breach in their security system and some hackers may have gotten ahold of my credit card info and whatever. Great. Thankfully, nothing has happened...besides me cancelling my card...so no more on line shopping for a while!

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Grumperina's t-shirt


Start: June 3, 2005 (this is the restart date...the other was frogged!)
End: June 7, 2005
Pattern: Grumperina's t-shirt
Yarn: Knit Picks "Shine" in orchid. 6 balls. Machine washable! Yes, it worked, all is fine...I will be wearing this t-shirt often, not only because I love it, but because I can throw it in the wash!
Gauge: 22sts over 30 rows with US#6 addis
Alterations: Basically the whole thing was altered and made for me and the gauge...Thank you Kathy! I did make the hip area a little bigger to accommodate my babymaking rollage! It seems to stretch a little once I washed it and as I wear it (to be expected with cotton). I will make another a little snugger and a touch shorter knowing it will stretch a little.

This is seriously a weekend knit! Love the yarn...I will make more out of "Shine". Hmmmm...... what colour next.....

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Well? Well? Did it work?

Ok, it's not dry yet...but it looks pretty good. Sizing looks good. My only complaint is the slight wrinkle look on the fabric...you know squished up in the washer look...layed on a wrinkly pillow and have lines on my face look. Yet, they seem to be fading as it dries...hardly noticable. I just have to wait now to try it on. Just hold your horses.

So, with one off the needles....one goes on. Presenting the starts of "Orangina" in a lovely lavendar colour...

Don't ask me how to check gauge on this sucker...you have to count 24sts in 4" of the pattern...hmmm...I guess I should have only cast on 24 and measured the swatch...whatever. After what seemed like knitting a scarf in the pattern...I was pretty sure I needed to go up a needle size, as I always do. I was forced to work on these straight bamboo #4's. I feel like I am tight rope walking...don't sit to close because you will get your eye poked out! I just hate working on straight needles now. Alteast it is light weight yarn. Not sure if I like the cotton yet...it's ok. Very splitty. The lace is much more manageable on the bamboos than the addis. I just wish I had more slide on the needles. I put wax paper on my grocery list...that may help.

And for you dad..., back to cleaning the windows...only the insides and the screens today...we will tackle the outsides tomorrow!

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Machine Washable

Oh yes, the ultimate test. They say it is machine washable....so I sit and wait. Grumps t is done...and it is in the wash. That's right, I just put a hand knit in the wash. I have taken photos incase my little experiment doesn't work...and I will make another because it was a quick knit...and fits beautifully.
Waiting...just waiting now. I think I better go check on it...

Monday, June 06, 2005

Remember those shoes....

Born with the flattest of flat feet...and wearing a size 9 by grade nine...shoe shopping has always been a challenge. Now a size 10 (really 10 1/2 but who makes them? I should be buying 11's....) I will always remember dad taking me to buy shoes for the beginning of highschool. Fashion is not a concern of parents...comfort and support is all that mattered. Well, to the "Rockport" store to buy my shoes we went. I came home with some burgundy lace ups, including some extra arch support. They were the ugliest shoes known to man...perfect for my first day in highschool. I think I wore those shoes once...really, maybe twice. Dad spent a lot of money on those shoes...so I know he will also remember he refused to buy me another pair of shoes after that. I was on my own!
Well dad...guess where I ended up finding shoes this weekend? No longer am I the fashionable uncomfortable shoe wearer...try running after two boys in thick heeled slides...
Finds from the "Rockport" store...mind you no arch support...but so comfortable!

It seems "Rockport" has changed some of their styles...not so bad are they! All 10's but larger sized so I can get away with them!
On the knitting front...grumps t is almost complete. I am at the waist, almost at the point of increasing. This baby fits perfectly! Like it was made for me! HA!

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Being careful not to twist...

Ok, this is basic knitting knowledge...yet when I cast on again for grumps t-shirt (sizing issues), I twisted my stitches. So frustrating after I carefully cast on all of those stitches with a crochet hook so I have this nice edge. You see, I thought I was so smart trying to do the magic loop thing with my addis to avoid using the bamboo smaller length circs. Whatever! So, unable to save my cast on, I cast on again, using the bamboo. All turned out fine...the tension is dead on. I am on my way again.

As you can also see, I am in need of manicure...I will add it to the list!

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Is it finished?

We just got back from my parents house. Getting a little r&r....this is very hard with two little ones, but we survived. I had been working on grumps t-shirt...until I tried it on....I need to do a little ripping...the size just isn't right. Not to worry...I said the next project will actually fit me, so a ripping and reknitting I will go!
"Harry" is just flying along...love those aran weight yarns! Front and back are complete and the sleeves are cast on together.
The neverending baby blanket is finished...I think. I am not sure about the edging now...may be it is a little too girly. What if she has a boy? Will that edging work for a boy? Also, I haven't measured the blanket...but I am very close to running out of yarn for the edging. I was sure that I had more than enough for the full blanket...hmmmmm....I need one of those scales you all have been weighting your yarn with!
Here she is...finished...or close to it....