All Knitty, All the Time!
I made the Coupling socks with a hank of Araucania Ranco in a semi-solid purple (color #101). The only modification I made was turning the flap heel into a short-row heel; the pattern was already written toe-up, like I prefer. The stitch pattern, when stretched on the leg, is much lacier than I had expected while knitting them. I really love them and can imagine them making lovely knee- or thigh-high stockings, if you're into that sort of thing. The yarn is wonderful too, but the first time I wore them, the sole was felted solid by the end of the day. I don't mind because I kinda like the cushiness of a felted sole, but that's something you may want to keep in mind if you're thinking of using this yarn.
I found this yarn at Hobby Lobby (they only carry one ball of each colorway at a time, even though it takes two to make a pair of socks - hence the anklets - but that's a rant for another day). It's the new Red Heart Heart & Sole. That's right - a sock yarn from Red Heart, and believe it or not, it's 70% wool! Crazy, huh? This is the E745 Mellow Stripe colorway, and it reminds me of Froot Loops cereal. So of course, I chose the Froot Loop sock pattern. I would usually pick a simpler stitch pattern for a self-striping yarn, but I couldn't resist. In addition to shortening them to ankle length, I also worked them toe-up and used a short-row heel.
I also discovered Patons Stretch Sock while at Hobby Lobby (again only one ball - good thing I like ankle socks). This colorway, #31306 Plum, is very high contrast, and I tried a number of patterns to see what worked best before settling on Hedera. Again, these are toe-up with short-row heels, as always. The elastic content of this yarn was difficult to work with at first, but once I got used to it and adjusted my tension accordingly, it was fine, and the end result is great - snug, stretchy socks.
A desire to use fewer plastic grocery bags, combined with a desire to use up some stash cotton, led to two Everlasting Bagstoppers. I knitted garter stitch straps instead of trying to find a sturdy, coordinating ribbon, and I didn't bother with the drawstring near the bottom. The solids are Sugar 'n Cream in Hot Pink (01740) and Hot Orange (01628), and the ombres are Peaches & Creme in Carnival (#?) and Gumdrop (205). These bags are sooooo stretchy. I really adore them and have already made use of them. And I still have several more balls of SnC in various colors, so I may be making more of these at a later date.
A friend commissioned me to make a Nautie for her coworker since she only knows how to crochet. I used some random worsted acrylic from my stash in pink, white, grey and a teensy bit of black to embroider the eyes. I'm not a huge fan of seaming, so I picked up stitches for the face instead of knitting it separately and sewing it together later. I think he's adorable, so I hope the recipient liked him as well.
And wow, I just realized that all of the above knitting patterns came from Knitty. I'm such a sheep.
Though it's not knitted, I also wanted to share a new piece of jewelry: my Crafter's Charm Necklace. I found all the pewter charms at Hobby Lobby and the rest was already in my bead stash. There's a pair of scissors, painter's palette, sewing machine, ball of yarn with knitting needles, thimble, measuring tape and spool of thread.
x-posted to knitphomaniac