So BOM square #2 is officially done. I called it done the other day, but still had the bind off today. Michelle uses Grandma's Favorite Bind Off. It's a bind off I hadn't ever heard of, but Michelle likes it because it gives a nice stretchy even edge. And, I tried it, A. It's easy and B. the edge looks awesome!
The basics of the b/o are to P2TOG, put loop back on LH needles and repeat. Super simple and like I said, nice looking edge.
For those that don't know Michelle, she works at Temptations in Dublin, her rav name is Sockqueen and she has designed a LOT of socks! Her website which is linked above has tons of tips and different videos to check out.
Speaking of socks, Cath and I were going to do a KAL but that was put on hold. I did start a sock, but have decided to wait since I really want to make Secret Garden. So yesterday, I casted on for Secret Garden and this morning I ripped it out because I didn't like the way the toe looked. I'll start over again sometime today.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Yarn: BMFA Sock club #2
So I peeked!
I couldn't take it anymore, I had really hoped to have had my shipment on Saturday, but alas it didn't come. So yesterday before I left work, I jumped on the site really quick and checked the spoilers for a photo.
It was a little shocking at first. I wasn't sure about it.
Got home... had a package!
Of course I ripped it open and my first thoughts were... hmmm.....
But the more I looked at it and the more I felt it, the more I liked it. Now of course this isn't to say I didn't like it at first site, I did like it, but I just wasn't in love with it. Not like Happy Go Lucky, I fell hard there!
Anyway, the variation and color changes in this yarn are remarkable. I wanted to wind it up right there, but I didn't. Not just yet. I want to hold and fondle it and just stare at it lovingly.
But tonight... I shall take a walk through the Secret Garden. It's one of the patterns sent and is by Janel Laidman. As soon as I saw the name I KNEW I would knit this sock. I like the other pattern as well, it's called Slip Jig, but I LOVE the secret garden pattern. It's toe-up, what I've mostly been working these days, so it fits right in.
For now.... take a look at the lovely, it's called Wild Irishgirlie by the way.
I couldn't take it anymore, I had really hoped to have had my shipment on Saturday, but alas it didn't come. So yesterday before I left work, I jumped on the site really quick and checked the spoilers for a photo.
It was a little shocking at first. I wasn't sure about it.
Got home... had a package!
Of course I ripped it open and my first thoughts were... hmmm.....
But the more I looked at it and the more I felt it, the more I liked it. Now of course this isn't to say I didn't like it at first site, I did like it, but I just wasn't in love with it. Not like Happy Go Lucky, I fell hard there!
Anyway, the variation and color changes in this yarn are remarkable. I wanted to wind it up right there, but I didn't. Not just yet. I want to hold and fondle it and just stare at it lovingly.
But tonight... I shall take a walk through the Secret Garden. It's one of the patterns sent and is by Janel Laidman. As soon as I saw the name I KNEW I would knit this sock. I like the other pattern as well, it's called Slip Jig, but I LOVE the secret garden pattern. It's toe-up, what I've mostly been working these days, so it fits right in.
For now.... take a look at the lovely, it's called Wild Irishgirlie by the way.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Knitting: BOM #2
Back in February, I started the Block of the Month afghan at Temptations. I may have talked about this before, but it's sort of a beginner's type of knitting class. There are a couple of experienced folks in the class including myself. I mostly signed up because I was hoping it would HELP me to finally finish a freaking afghan for our home. It's something I've always wanted to make, but like most things, I fizzle out on.
So I went in February, we started the first block. It kind of reminds me of the flying goose motif from quilting. The knits and purls make a nice V. However the pattern is a little on the boring side to knit. SO I'm about half way done. Here's my other hesitation... while I love CASCADE 220 in natural (cream) color, I'm not sure if it is right for this afghan. The stitches aren't quite POPPING like I want them too. Now Michelle made hers with this colorway that looks amazing. It's just off natural, cream but darker.
I missed class #2 because of the discovery sock class, so I picked up the pattern a couple of weeks ago. I opted to grab a skein of Brown Sheep Superwash to try and I got the same color Michelle used. I love it soooo much better. I started work on the block yesterday afternoon and am just slightly more than half way done! I really like this pattern too, it's so easy to remember. I had it down after the first repeat and it's REALLY easy to see what row you are on and count and all those necessary things.
Last night I held both of my half knit samples up to show B and get his opinion. He likes the darker version, too. So I'm going to frog #1 and when finished with #2, go back and do #1 in the new yarn. However, #3 will be next Monday, so I may just go ahead and wait until after #3. In any case, here is a photo of what is going on!
OH and the color is Oats 'n Cream (which I just love, makes me feel all homey and warm).
Oh and here's the old swatch in progress in the cascade 220
So I went in February, we started the first block. It kind of reminds me of the flying goose motif from quilting. The knits and purls make a nice V. However the pattern is a little on the boring side to knit. SO I'm about half way done. Here's my other hesitation... while I love CASCADE 220 in natural (cream) color, I'm not sure if it is right for this afghan. The stitches aren't quite POPPING like I want them too. Now Michelle made hers with this colorway that looks amazing. It's just off natural, cream but darker.
I missed class #2 because of the discovery sock class, so I picked up the pattern a couple of weeks ago. I opted to grab a skein of Brown Sheep Superwash to try and I got the same color Michelle used. I love it soooo much better. I started work on the block yesterday afternoon and am just slightly more than half way done! I really like this pattern too, it's so easy to remember. I had it down after the first repeat and it's REALLY easy to see what row you are on and count and all those necessary things.
Last night I held both of my half knit samples up to show B and get his opinion. He likes the darker version, too. So I'm going to frog #1 and when finished with #2, go back and do #1 in the new yarn. However, #3 will be next Monday, so I may just go ahead and wait until after #3. In any case, here is a photo of what is going on!
OH and the color is Oats 'n Cream (which I just love, makes me feel all homey and warm).
Oh and here's the old swatch in progress in the cascade 220
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Knitting: A Knitty Cardi
So I'm really enamored with my latest project. I fell hard in multiple ways. For some time I've been wanting to make a nice light breezy spring/summer cardigan/tee etc. Last week, I went so far as to peruse many fine publications at Temptations in Dublin. I even thought I'd settled on a beautiful project from dear Jane Ellison for Mirasol. Anddd... I even bought a skein of this fantastic blue yarn. It's dreamy! The name escapes me right now, but it's a merino/silk blend (I believe) and it has a little bit of a sheen to it. Fantastic.
Anyway, I went home to mull it over and to swatch.
I mulled, but I didn't swatch. I just didn't feel like winding that pretty hank of yarn, only to start a swatch of a project I might never make. See, while I really LOVED the look of the cardigan, I don't like knitting in pieces. And I LOVE Jane Ellisons patterns. She definitely has what I would call a classic style. Many of her designs are modern, yet timeless. And some give off a vintage feel. I have several pattern books by her and I LOVE the sweaters and items in those books, but you know, I still haven't knit one. NOPE, not one.
So I continued to pause and mull as it were. I thought about doing the math to do it as one piece, I thought about top down and more math. And it wasn't in me to start, so I didn't.
WHICH turns out to be a good thing because on Sunday Cath and I met up for tea at Zen Cha. Got my fave Lavender Latte (delicious times a million). And then we headed to the Merc. While there I happened upon this delicious light COOLWOOL by Elisabeth Lavold. It's a 50/50 wool/cotton blend. Is super soft and I would say it's a DK or sport weight. Sometimes those weight definitions are lost on me, but it's definitely not a worsted weight and it's not sock weight, so to me dk/sport. Not sure if those are interchangeable, but that's what I know.
Anyway, the color I put on HOLD was called, Ultramarine, it's blue. But seriously there is a huge color palette for this yarn, it's all gorgeous. I purchased one skein because I was going to swatch first and I still had the Mirasol sweater in mind. (Cath bought a love tan of same yarn for a fantastic project as well!)
But then..... the spring/summer issue of knitty popped up and I found the PERFECT sweater for this yarn. It's the Tappan Zee by Amy King. So far it has everything I want.
1. It's top down (yay)
2. Looks lightweight and breezy
3. Short sleeves
4. Yarn works up to the perfect guage
5. Easy to read and follow the pattern along
So I cast on the other evening despite not being quite to the end of the socks which was a mistake because this thing has really taken a hold of me! The first night I finished a little over an inch and then day 2, I did increases and still managed to eek out another inch. I love the look of this thing so far. Granted I still have quite a ways to go. But I'm moving into the "design" section next, so I'll be following a chart for a bit so that will be fun. I'm full on committed to this project (ravlink) and let me tell you it feels fantastic.
Someone please remind me of this when I get to the bottom half and have to do stockinette for miles!
Anyway, I went home to mull it over and to swatch.
I mulled, but I didn't swatch. I just didn't feel like winding that pretty hank of yarn, only to start a swatch of a project I might never make. See, while I really LOVED the look of the cardigan, I don't like knitting in pieces. And I LOVE Jane Ellisons patterns. She definitely has what I would call a classic style. Many of her designs are modern, yet timeless. And some give off a vintage feel. I have several pattern books by her and I LOVE the sweaters and items in those books, but you know, I still haven't knit one. NOPE, not one.
So I continued to pause and mull as it were. I thought about doing the math to do it as one piece, I thought about top down and more math. And it wasn't in me to start, so I didn't.
WHICH turns out to be a good thing because on Sunday Cath and I met up for tea at Zen Cha. Got my fave Lavender Latte (delicious times a million). And then we headed to the Merc. While there I happened upon this delicious light COOLWOOL by Elisabeth Lavold. It's a 50/50 wool/cotton blend. Is super soft and I would say it's a DK or sport weight. Sometimes those weight definitions are lost on me, but it's definitely not a worsted weight and it's not sock weight, so to me dk/sport. Not sure if those are interchangeable, but that's what I know.
Anyway, the color I put on HOLD was called, Ultramarine, it's blue. But seriously there is a huge color palette for this yarn, it's all gorgeous. I purchased one skein because I was going to swatch first and I still had the Mirasol sweater in mind. (Cath bought a love tan of same yarn for a fantastic project as well!)
But then..... the spring/summer issue of knitty popped up and I found the PERFECT sweater for this yarn. It's the Tappan Zee by Amy King. So far it has everything I want.
1. It's top down (yay)
2. Looks lightweight and breezy
3. Short sleeves
4. Yarn works up to the perfect guage
5. Easy to read and follow the pattern along
So I cast on the other evening despite not being quite to the end of the socks which was a mistake because this thing has really taken a hold of me! The first night I finished a little over an inch and then day 2, I did increases and still managed to eek out another inch. I love the look of this thing so far. Granted I still have quite a ways to go. But I'm moving into the "design" section next, so I'll be following a chart for a bit so that will be fun. I'm full on committed to this project (ravlink) and let me tell you it feels fantastic.
Someone please remind me of this when I get to the bottom half and have to do stockinette for miles!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Knitting: The discovery sock
Last night was our last session for the Personal Footprints sock class. I am not quite DONE with my socks, but later this week or by the weekend, I should be complete. And not just with one sock, but BOTH! This makes me very excited because so far in my life.... I have only completed 2 pair of socks. I have many, many single socks... but not many pair.
I had some ups and downs with the sock, more ups than downs though. I'll go with the positive.
1. It seemed to be a fast knit.
2. As described, a very 'personal' fit. I feel it was made specifically for my foot and no one elses.
3. Did I mention quick?!
4. Lots of room for designing your own pattern and personalizing the fit.
5. No short row heels
6. No back and forth heel
7. IN THE ROUND heel (afterthought)
8. Great technique for self striping or handpaints because you can eliminate much of the pooling or weird striping when the leg/heel parts come together.
9. Oh and it's QUICK!
Ok, so now the negative
1. The discovery is meant to be knit and ripped and knit and ripped until you have the perfect fit, so you might have to do this several times at different sections. For me, it's the heel, I started my heel decreases too late and consequently have to rip back a bit maybe 1 1/2 inches on each sock. Tying a good to this negative, once you have the discover sock done, and you've made your notes, you don't have to worry about knit/ripping again for future socks.
2. The book/guide says NOTHING about the leg and making the leg work or fit. It's kind of glossed over really and not specific. We spent so much time getting the fit of the FOOT right and then your leg is completely left out.
3. The round "star" toe worked up nicely, but I'm not sure if I like how it FEELS so this is still a question mark for me.
And right now, that is my first thoughts on this discovery project. I feel well equipped to make decisions on sock design as well as choosing patterns for myself to make in the future. I definitely think I will use this technique again, especially if I want to do a quick no-pattern sock with self striping yarn. Huge benefit of speed and lack of pattern might make a QUICK pair of socks.
So all in all, I left the class, glad that I had taken the time to learn this. It was fun sharing with the other ladies our trouble spots or celebrating each other's successes. As always, Beth (yarnaholicbeth - rav) is fun and informative and a wealth of tips, tricks and funny stories.
In the course of 4 weeks, I have made a pair of socks. I'm quite proud of myself, especially when I consider, I knit on other items in this four weeks and not solely on the socks.
Next up... more socks. Doing a Joy of Sox KAL with Cath soon. And I'm REALLY hoping to get started on a lightweight cardi for spring/summer. Fisherman sweater is on hold as is the Every Way Wrap (she's been hibernating and waving at me every few days).
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Knitting: A day without it?
You know awhile back it was pretty rare for me to have a day that I didn't knit. I would typically knit a few stitches at least every day. And it's mostly because I do love it so much. Well around last fall some changes were made. Mostly with work and that put the knitting on the back burner a bit. I mostly saved the knitting for the weekends because I couldn't fit it into my normal day.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to get at, is the presence of knitting in my daily life. And it's a constant presence. I sort of lose myself in it sometimes. For instance today, Audra and I headed downtown to Travonna Coffee house and we did talk, but there were moments there that I just got lost in my knitting. I was in my own world and just kind of zoned out with the stitches.
And after that, I kind of just wasted the day away. It was a good waste, though. I had fun and I looked at a ton of knitting books, found a few cardigans I really love... checked out some really great yarns... and I napped.
So about that discovery sock... good grief. I'm struggling with it. At first, I picked this one pattern, it caused me to double the stitches, so I was cabling over 96 effing stitches... it sucked and I did it for rows and rows. I even bound it off and tried it on.
Today, I ripped it out. That felt good, but then I was back at the drawing board so to speak. I started over wit a new pattern from the book and I for sure don't love it but at this point I just really want to be done with these socks.
Which leads me into my next point, I really want lots of socks. I have a shit-ton of sock yarn and I really need to get it knit up. My entire stash needs revamped and organized. I'm at the point of having an overwhelming amount of yarn and haven't a clue what to do with it.
While I know I need to knit, I get so overwhelmed I kind of shut down and don't know where to go or how to start. And that is why I have all of these projects all over. And probably in another week, my next sock club shipment will arrive from Blue Moon and I'll be in love all over again with something new.
In the meantime though, I've been mostly monogamous. I've only been working on the Discovery Socks and the Cabled Mitts. The first mitt is nearly done, but I do need to make some design changes. Kinks to work out so to speak. I'm being especially critical of these because this might be the first pattern I post out for sale.
Anyway, these two projects are going well and are coming to a close. Perhaps by next week the socks will be done, just in time, too because I decided to head to Mystery Sock on Tuesday night. It's a stranded 2-color project, so I'm anxious to get that started, too. I think I might opt to do both socks at the same time, so as to get finished earlier than later and not fall to SSS (second sock syndrome).
So I just might accomplish that dream of having multiple pairs of hand knit socks to choose from this year. Now... about that sweater................
Anyway, the point I'm trying to get at, is the presence of knitting in my daily life. And it's a constant presence. I sort of lose myself in it sometimes. For instance today, Audra and I headed downtown to Travonna Coffee house and we did talk, but there were moments there that I just got lost in my knitting. I was in my own world and just kind of zoned out with the stitches.
And after that, I kind of just wasted the day away. It was a good waste, though. I had fun and I looked at a ton of knitting books, found a few cardigans I really love... checked out some really great yarns... and I napped.
So about that discovery sock... good grief. I'm struggling with it. At first, I picked this one pattern, it caused me to double the stitches, so I was cabling over 96 effing stitches... it sucked and I did it for rows and rows. I even bound it off and tried it on.
Today, I ripped it out. That felt good, but then I was back at the drawing board so to speak. I started over wit a new pattern from the book and I for sure don't love it but at this point I just really want to be done with these socks.
Which leads me into my next point, I really want lots of socks. I have a shit-ton of sock yarn and I really need to get it knit up. My entire stash needs revamped and organized. I'm at the point of having an overwhelming amount of yarn and haven't a clue what to do with it.
While I know I need to knit, I get so overwhelmed I kind of shut down and don't know where to go or how to start. And that is why I have all of these projects all over. And probably in another week, my next sock club shipment will arrive from Blue Moon and I'll be in love all over again with something new.
In the meantime though, I've been mostly monogamous. I've only been working on the Discovery Socks and the Cabled Mitts. The first mitt is nearly done, but I do need to make some design changes. Kinks to work out so to speak. I'm being especially critical of these because this might be the first pattern I post out for sale.
Anyway, these two projects are going well and are coming to a close. Perhaps by next week the socks will be done, just in time, too because I decided to head to Mystery Sock on Tuesday night. It's a stranded 2-color project, so I'm anxious to get that started, too. I think I might opt to do both socks at the same time, so as to get finished earlier than later and not fall to SSS (second sock syndrome).
So I just might accomplish that dream of having multiple pairs of hand knit socks to choose from this year. Now... about that sweater................
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Knitting: Continued DISCOVERY sock progress
I'm still knitting away on the discovery sock. As I finished the pod last week, I opted to start the 2nd pod instead of finishing the leg on sock #1. It's going well, although I haven't committed to it this weekend. I haven't felt the knitting bug much however I did have some fiber adventures.
I went to Dublin on Saturday to pick up my "new" macbook. Purchased from Cath since she upgraded to pro. And since I was in Dublin, I stopped off to visit Temptations. I chatted with Karen a bit. Picked up month #2 for the BOM Afghan and purchased a skein of Malabrigo Twist in Grape. It's super pretty.
I now have 3 skeins of the twist in different colors. GK2 pal, Brandy made really super pretty and squishy cabled fingerless mitts. I decided these would be great gifts for my non-knitting but supportive friends. So I know have 3 colors that I believe they will each like, Olive, Rust/Olive and the Purple. I searched Ravelry last week for a pattern, but didn't see anything that jumped out at me, so I'm designing my own. I'm writing as I go. It's turning out really nice. The yarn is fantastic to use and I love the cabled diamond I chose for the central motif. Not sure if I will make these identical or, swap the cables out as I go. Providing on the feedback, I may go ahead and list on Ravelry.
Great thing is, with my new macbook, I can design anywhere. I'm not restricted to being home on my IMac. I have some great software and am so amped to get some of these ideas out, anywhere I go!
So the mitts are in progress. The Discovery sock is in progress... and I'm being very good to not pick up any other projects, nor cast on any additional projects until I'm done with the first pair of mitts and/or these discovery socks. I hoped to have the green socks done in time for St. Pats, but it won't happen. No biggie, they should be done before end of the month.
So I should have knit on Friday but didn't. Didn't knit most of Saturday, but had a lovely catch up time with Cath at Starbucks on Sat. night. I did knit a few rounds on the sock while there. I've finished all the increases and just need to knit to the leg lines and put the lifelines in and finish up the heel. Not much further at all.
Have the sock class tomorrow and will cut open for the leg and start a pattern. I'm going away from my original thought of designing a cable, due to lack of time. But I will definitely do it sometime in the future.
Not ready to start another work week, but we do what we must. Here comes Monday... bring it on!
I went to Dublin on Saturday to pick up my "new" macbook. Purchased from Cath since she upgraded to pro. And since I was in Dublin, I stopped off to visit Temptations. I chatted with Karen a bit. Picked up month #2 for the BOM Afghan and purchased a skein of Malabrigo Twist in Grape. It's super pretty.
I now have 3 skeins of the twist in different colors. GK2 pal, Brandy made really super pretty and squishy cabled fingerless mitts. I decided these would be great gifts for my non-knitting but supportive friends. So I know have 3 colors that I believe they will each like, Olive, Rust/Olive and the Purple. I searched Ravelry last week for a pattern, but didn't see anything that jumped out at me, so I'm designing my own. I'm writing as I go. It's turning out really nice. The yarn is fantastic to use and I love the cabled diamond I chose for the central motif. Not sure if I will make these identical or, swap the cables out as I go. Providing on the feedback, I may go ahead and list on Ravelry.
Great thing is, with my new macbook, I can design anywhere. I'm not restricted to being home on my IMac. I have some great software and am so amped to get some of these ideas out, anywhere I go!
So the mitts are in progress. The Discovery sock is in progress... and I'm being very good to not pick up any other projects, nor cast on any additional projects until I'm done with the first pair of mitts and/or these discovery socks. I hoped to have the green socks done in time for St. Pats, but it won't happen. No biggie, they should be done before end of the month.
So I should have knit on Friday but didn't. Didn't knit most of Saturday, but had a lovely catch up time with Cath at Starbucks on Sat. night. I did knit a few rounds on the sock while there. I've finished all the increases and just need to knit to the leg lines and put the lifelines in and finish up the heel. Not much further at all.
Have the sock class tomorrow and will cut open for the leg and start a pattern. I'm going away from my original thought of designing a cable, due to lack of time. But I will definitely do it sometime in the future.
Not ready to start another work week, but we do what we must. Here comes Monday... bring it on!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Knitting: Always learning something new
So, pretty much my whole knitting life I have tried multiple ways to make socks. Toe Up, Cuff Down, 2 at a time inside of each other, 2 at a time on one circ, magic loop, dpns, etc and so on.
I have never made a Cat Bordhi sock. I know her followers are thousands... but frankly, I wasn't into it. So recently I read about her latest book coming out and how can you turn away from a book with INSOUCIENT in the title. I mean, it's a great word and for those that don't know... from Dictionary.com:
–adjective
free from concern, worry, or anxiety; carefree; nonchalant.
I feel like a nonchalant sort of person most of the time... so insoucient, I am. Anyway, the merc was offering a class with Beth (yarnaholicbeth-rav) and she is a pretty funny and interesting lady. I decided to join the class and learn a new style. Now, I could have learned this from reading the book. But there were a few points here and there that puzzled me, so talking amongst others that are doing the same thing as you is a comfort and good learning tool.
Anyway, I started the class with a lovely skein of Purple-Burgundy colored yarn, it's called Impulse by Hazel Knits, part of my sock club shipment. I wasn't LOVING the color so much as liking it a lot, but I love her yarn in general, the feel, the twist, etc... so I thought it would be good to make the discovery sock with this yarn. However, I became NOT-insoucient and concerned that I wouldn't be able to READ my sock well because it was dark in color and you really need to be able to tell where your increases are, and so on. I decided to cast on a new yarn (same weight and needles). I picked a new stash acquisition. It's a love green, with many different shades. To me it is the PERFECT GREEN.
Green being my very favorite color forever and always and this is what I think of when I think of the color green.... it's THIS yarn, yes it is.
Anyway, I've been knitting away on the "discovery" sock and I finished my pod (pic below). There are a couple of lifelines and between them, I will pick up stitches and SNIP the yarn and knit up the leg. After that piece is done, I will go back and finish off the heel. So yes, this is a very different technique and way to make a sock and so far, I kind of like it. I still have a bit to learn, like how to incorporate a patter on the foot, etc... but it's been fun to veer off the regular STANDARD c/o 64 or 72 stitches path. I definitely reccommend this style of knitting to those wanting a more PERSONAL fit to your sock. IT's not too big, not too small, it's just right.
I have never made a Cat Bordhi sock. I know her followers are thousands... but frankly, I wasn't into it. So recently I read about her latest book coming out and how can you turn away from a book with INSOUCIENT in the title. I mean, it's a great word and for those that don't know... from Dictionary.com:
–adjective
free from concern, worry, or anxiety; carefree; nonchalant.
I feel like a nonchalant sort of person most of the time... so insoucient, I am. Anyway, the merc was offering a class with Beth (yarnaholicbeth-rav) and she is a pretty funny and interesting lady. I decided to join the class and learn a new style. Now, I could have learned this from reading the book. But there were a few points here and there that puzzled me, so talking amongst others that are doing the same thing as you is a comfort and good learning tool.
Anyway, I started the class with a lovely skein of Purple-Burgundy colored yarn, it's called Impulse by Hazel Knits, part of my sock club shipment. I wasn't LOVING the color so much as liking it a lot, but I love her yarn in general, the feel, the twist, etc... so I thought it would be good to make the discovery sock with this yarn. However, I became NOT-insoucient and concerned that I wouldn't be able to READ my sock well because it was dark in color and you really need to be able to tell where your increases are, and so on. I decided to cast on a new yarn (same weight and needles). I picked a new stash acquisition. It's a love green, with many different shades. To me it is the PERFECT GREEN.
Green being my very favorite color forever and always and this is what I think of when I think of the color green.... it's THIS yarn, yes it is.
Anyway, I've been knitting away on the "discovery" sock and I finished my pod (pic below). There are a couple of lifelines and between them, I will pick up stitches and SNIP the yarn and knit up the leg. After that piece is done, I will go back and finish off the heel. So yes, this is a very different technique and way to make a sock and so far, I kind of like it. I still have a bit to learn, like how to incorporate a patter on the foot, etc... but it's been fun to veer off the regular STANDARD c/o 64 or 72 stitches path. I definitely reccommend this style of knitting to those wanting a more PERSONAL fit to your sock. IT's not too big, not too small, it's just right.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Knitting: What?!
So, I've been meaning to write for days and days... but been too lazy to do so. That being said... I felt like I had a lot to say and now sitting here typing, I can't recall a darn thing. And I have no photo updates either.
So, let the random purge begin.
I read a good book a week ago... it is still sticking with me and I can't get it out of my head. I even took the time to go back and read some of the chapters. In the end, the book is basically about a woman that ends up "finding" herself and healing old wounds when she moves to Ireland to research and write a book about KNITTING. So, not sure why it has stuck with me so much except, it was a pretty good story and had a happy ending and all that, so maybe that is what I'm looking for or yearning for? Who knows... what this book has also done is made my feelings for a fisherman gansey resurface with a vengeance.
I've done research all over the place... 2 of the most notable books (from every website I surfed) happen to be in my Library. I've been pouring over patterns and cables and ropes and moss stitches and more. There is no real "pattern" that I am using, it's kind of make it up and go.
I had planned to be a good knitter and swatch out all the pattern motifs I was planning, but then on Sunday... I grew restless and silly and c/o 264 stitches to start this sweater in the round from the bottom up. I'm using EZ's almanac instructions, but with different panels. I really liked my chosen stitches, but after doing 1 1/2 rounds, I realized one of the panels was NOT for me. So mid-round, I stopped knitting. I grabbed my 2 books, Gladys Thompson and Shelaugh H(something) and looked for another pattern with a count of 20 stitches. I couldnt' find one! Then, I pulled out a couple of BW stitch dictionaries and of course, after looking at several possible motifs, I chose one. It's a pretzel braid and will fit in nicely I think. So I finished round 2 with that stitch by dropping that section back to the edge and going forth.
Another thing I decided on was to do a provisional cast on using the crochet method. I did this for several reasons. Mainly because I am impatient, but 2ndly because I wasn't sure how these patterns would actually fit together and also because I don't know how long this will be. So, I figured I could get it where I want and after having done a significant amount of knitting, I can go back, pick up that edge and do some ribbing. My other reason, is I definitely want to do it in a size smaller needle and I have no idear where the 7 is right now.
Moving on... Details: Using Cascade Eco Wool in the natural colorway on a US8. I'm getting 3.77 stitches per inch. This sweater will def be huge, but I'm modeling it after a fave sweater of mine that is big and baggy and one that I love the fit of.
I have no idea what will happen when I get up to the chest area and I need to start thinking about sleeves and stuff. This will definitely be a practice in patience, skill and learning new things. I think I am a good knitter, but I rarely WING it to this extent, so we shall see.
In other knitting news, I'm taking a class at the merc and learning about Cat Bordhi's "new" technique of toe-up sock making. It's called Peronal Footprint. And basically you are making notes as you go, trying on as you go and making a patter of your foot, as you go along knitting. It's pretty interesting and I'm enjoying the progression so far.
I did have a bit of a set back though. As this is a learning sock and you have to be able to READ your knitting, the yarn I picked was the IMPULSE colorway from the February Hazel Knits sock club and not really a good idea for this venture. So, around Saturday, I decided to switch over to a lovely green yarn that was newly acquired. I can definitely "read" my increases much better and it didn't take me long to get back to where I was with the Impulse as well as continue on. I'm not sure of what the leg of the sock will be yet and if it will be plain or if we make something from the book, but if we can pick our "own" thing, I'm definitely planning on making some shamrocks or celtic rings on these socks... it's THAT green.
Maybe I need to take a trip to Ireland, soon!
So, let the random purge begin.
I read a good book a week ago... it is still sticking with me and I can't get it out of my head. I even took the time to go back and read some of the chapters. In the end, the book is basically about a woman that ends up "finding" herself and healing old wounds when she moves to Ireland to research and write a book about KNITTING. So, not sure why it has stuck with me so much except, it was a pretty good story and had a happy ending and all that, so maybe that is what I'm looking for or yearning for? Who knows... what this book has also done is made my feelings for a fisherman gansey resurface with a vengeance.
I've done research all over the place... 2 of the most notable books (from every website I surfed) happen to be in my Library. I've been pouring over patterns and cables and ropes and moss stitches and more. There is no real "pattern" that I am using, it's kind of make it up and go.
I had planned to be a good knitter and swatch out all the pattern motifs I was planning, but then on Sunday... I grew restless and silly and c/o 264 stitches to start this sweater in the round from the bottom up. I'm using EZ's almanac instructions, but with different panels. I really liked my chosen stitches, but after doing 1 1/2 rounds, I realized one of the panels was NOT for me. So mid-round, I stopped knitting. I grabbed my 2 books, Gladys Thompson and Shelaugh H(something) and looked for another pattern with a count of 20 stitches. I couldnt' find one! Then, I pulled out a couple of BW stitch dictionaries and of course, after looking at several possible motifs, I chose one. It's a pretzel braid and will fit in nicely I think. So I finished round 2 with that stitch by dropping that section back to the edge and going forth.
Another thing I decided on was to do a provisional cast on using the crochet method. I did this for several reasons. Mainly because I am impatient, but 2ndly because I wasn't sure how these patterns would actually fit together and also because I don't know how long this will be. So, I figured I could get it where I want and after having done a significant amount of knitting, I can go back, pick up that edge and do some ribbing. My other reason, is I definitely want to do it in a size smaller needle and I have no idear where the 7 is right now.
Moving on... Details: Using Cascade Eco Wool in the natural colorway on a US8. I'm getting 3.77 stitches per inch. This sweater will def be huge, but I'm modeling it after a fave sweater of mine that is big and baggy and one that I love the fit of.
I have no idea what will happen when I get up to the chest area and I need to start thinking about sleeves and stuff. This will definitely be a practice in patience, skill and learning new things. I think I am a good knitter, but I rarely WING it to this extent, so we shall see.
In other knitting news, I'm taking a class at the merc and learning about Cat Bordhi's "new" technique of toe-up sock making. It's called Peronal Footprint. And basically you are making notes as you go, trying on as you go and making a patter of your foot, as you go along knitting. It's pretty interesting and I'm enjoying the progression so far.
I did have a bit of a set back though. As this is a learning sock and you have to be able to READ your knitting, the yarn I picked was the IMPULSE colorway from the February Hazel Knits sock club and not really a good idea for this venture. So, around Saturday, I decided to switch over to a lovely green yarn that was newly acquired. I can definitely "read" my increases much better and it didn't take me long to get back to where I was with the Impulse as well as continue on. I'm not sure of what the leg of the sock will be yet and if it will be plain or if we make something from the book, but if we can pick our "own" thing, I'm definitely planning on making some shamrocks or celtic rings on these socks... it's THAT green.
Maybe I need to take a trip to Ireland, soon!
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