Socks and sweaters.
I posted this to the knitting community earlier, but since a couple of you do actually knit, and a few others have expressed interest in my various projects (whether it's just to be nice, or actually sincere i don't really need to hear..)...here you have it. Feel free to just look at the pretty pictures. :]
I've been busy. First, the deadline thing, received only two days past the intended date (I'm all for extending birthday presents, makes the occasion last, right?):
Mum's socks! Leaf and Tendril pattern from Cat Bordi's Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles. Knit on two size 2 circs, using Sock Landscapes from Knitpicks. She loves them, and wore them to work in her clogs the next day (it was casual friday).
I absolutely adore these, the pattern, the process, even the yarn (so soft, but do beware, it's a twisty one). I did end up using *all* of the yarn on these, as the pattern is written to have pretty long legs (sorry, didn't measure before sending off, but maybe 8" legs, judging by how much yarn I used). You can see that the tops are different, the lower one (on the right foot) has a whopping three rows of k1p1 ribbing, which I couldn't get out of the second skein. Fortunately, the bind off edge on both is loose enough to slip over the heel, but tight enough that it holds up the sock. The yarn isn't machine washable, so I sent a little sample packet of Eucalan along with the gift. Oh, and the bulky pattern size 2s provided for a warm pair of socks! Probably not ideal for much shoe wear (100% merino, and leaves on top of foot), but they'll most likely be used to keep my mother's feet warm during regular evening lounge time. To sum: *love*! And if you want to make them, and know you're comfortable with charts...chart this one out. So very worth it.
A shot of the leafy ribbing on the back of the leg; I love this part!
Moving on, presents for me! First, we've got a finished jaywalker (yes, still needs a mate):
This is my second attempt (first was knit to the heel and frogged due to sizing issues), and it came out wonderfully. I really love this sock, and am looking forward to getting the second one made (a few inches into the leg, now). I originally went with the smaller size on a size 1 needle, and had to really tug to get this over my foot. So, I frogged and did the larger size on size 0s for the leg ribbing and heel flap, size 2s for the leg, and a size 1 for the foot part. I should have switched to 0s or 1s for the heel flap, but totally forgot until I was at the end of it. Still fits wonderfully, but will probably change that for the second one. Don't be afraid to make these due to sizing issues, just try it out, try it on, figure out what works for you, and make them; it's a fun and very straightforward pattern. I'll probably make these again, eventually.
The second project currently on the needles is Rogue. I've wanted to make this sweater as soon as I saw it (a couple years ago, just after I first started knitting), and have finally gotten around to it. It's not much so far, but plenty to tell me that this yarn (Bartlett from kpixie; 2-ply 100% wool, an all natural color called light sheeps gray that isn't pictured any longer) is going to make a beautiful Rogue.
I understand all the raving about this pattern. Thorough, clear, and clever as all get out (incorporation of waist shaping decreases/increases into cabled side panels? so cool!). I also am just in love with this yarn, and am proud of taking the time to search for a yarn that I both wanted and could afford. Points for me!
I also am learning just how much I want a swift and ball winder to replace my current system...christmas isn't *so* far away, right? ;]
That's it for me. Hope you enjoyed reading!
I've been busy. First, the deadline thing, received only two days past the intended date (I'm all for extending birthday presents, makes the occasion last, right?):
Mum's socks! Leaf and Tendril pattern from Cat Bordi's Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles. Knit on two size 2 circs, using Sock Landscapes from Knitpicks. She loves them, and wore them to work in her clogs the next day (it was casual friday).
I absolutely adore these, the pattern, the process, even the yarn (so soft, but do beware, it's a twisty one). I did end up using *all* of the yarn on these, as the pattern is written to have pretty long legs (sorry, didn't measure before sending off, but maybe 8" legs, judging by how much yarn I used). You can see that the tops are different, the lower one (on the right foot) has a whopping three rows of k1p1 ribbing, which I couldn't get out of the second skein. Fortunately, the bind off edge on both is loose enough to slip over the heel, but tight enough that it holds up the sock. The yarn isn't machine washable, so I sent a little sample packet of Eucalan along with the gift. Oh, and the bulky pattern size 2s provided for a warm pair of socks! Probably not ideal for much shoe wear (100% merino, and leaves on top of foot), but they'll most likely be used to keep my mother's feet warm during regular evening lounge time. To sum: *love*! And if you want to make them, and know you're comfortable with charts...chart this one out. So very worth it.
A shot of the leafy ribbing on the back of the leg; I love this part!
Moving on, presents for me! First, we've got a finished jaywalker (yes, still needs a mate):
This is my second attempt (first was knit to the heel and frogged due to sizing issues), and it came out wonderfully. I really love this sock, and am looking forward to getting the second one made (a few inches into the leg, now). I originally went with the smaller size on a size 1 needle, and had to really tug to get this over my foot. So, I frogged and did the larger size on size 0s for the leg ribbing and heel flap, size 2s for the leg, and a size 1 for the foot part. I should have switched to 0s or 1s for the heel flap, but totally forgot until I was at the end of it. Still fits wonderfully, but will probably change that for the second one. Don't be afraid to make these due to sizing issues, just try it out, try it on, figure out what works for you, and make them; it's a fun and very straightforward pattern. I'll probably make these again, eventually.
The second project currently on the needles is Rogue. I've wanted to make this sweater as soon as I saw it (a couple years ago, just after I first started knitting), and have finally gotten around to it. It's not much so far, but plenty to tell me that this yarn (Bartlett from kpixie; 2-ply 100% wool, an all natural color called light sheeps gray that isn't pictured any longer) is going to make a beautiful Rogue.
I understand all the raving about this pattern. Thorough, clear, and clever as all get out (incorporation of waist shaping decreases/increases into cabled side panels? so cool!). I also am just in love with this yarn, and am proud of taking the time to search for a yarn that I both wanted and could afford. Points for me!
I also am learning just how much I want a swift and ball winder to replace my current system...christmas isn't *so* far away, right? ;]
That's it for me. Hope you enjoyed reading!