It Was Like Knitting a Sock for Bigfoot

Thermal
Pattern: Thermal by Laura Chau
Yarn: Knit Picks Gloss in Dusk (9 skeins for the 40 inch size)
Needles: Knit Picks circular and double points size 0 (2.0 mm)
Start Date: February 18, 2007
End Date: May 8, 2007 (89 days!!!)
Comments: Sock yarn. Size 0 needles. Waffle stitch. Sounds like a sock, doesn't it? No. Instead it is the most fabulous sweater I have ever knit. Even though the number of stitches involved is equivalent to knitting Bigfoot a pair of socks, it was all worth it. This sweater rocks! The only downside is that it's 90 degrees outside and that is just not silk/wool sweater weather. Guess this top will have to wait for an Oregon premier this winter (maybe by then I'll find a good tank top to wear under it). :)

Overall this was a wonderful pattern and a great use of a lightweight yarn. The Knit Picks Gloss knit up beautifully and I'm very happy with the color I chose. I knit the 40 inch size knowing that my 42 inch bust would be decreasing as I worked out the last couple months. Sure enough. I'm now a 39 inch bust and the sweater fits very well. No changes to the pattern. I did everything it said. After knitting with this minuscule gauge, I'm off to knit a sweater in worsted weight!

The smaller pics are close-ups of the shoulder seam/collar and the new, improved buttons.

My Fashionable Socks

Project Socks
Pattern: My own - Toe up instructions from Knitty, peasant heel
Yarn: Yarntini fingering weight in Self-Striping Make it Work! and a shot of color Carry On!
Needles: Inox 2.0mm (US 0)
Start Date: March 14, 2007
End Date: March 25, 2007
Comments: These socks are fierce! Ok, maybe I'm watching a little too much America's Next Top Model...But I do love these socks. The awesome stripes are all thanks to the Yarntini yarn and I just had to throw in my new favorite toe and heel. The yardage was stupendous on this yarn. Even with a longer cuff, I have a ton left over of both the striped and the solid. Yea! No running out of yarn!

Right after casting off the Project Runway socks I worked on Thermal for a couple hours. I'm nearing completion of the back. If I would just stop knitting socks for a minute I'm sure I'd have it done much sooner, but I got a new sock book in the mail this weekend so I had to put Thermal down and cast on for a new pair. :)

Here is the much anticipated More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. I love love love her first book and this one does not disappoint. The two big differences that I've found so far are that there are many more toe and heel styles and the stitch gallery has gone from being scattered throughout the book to being collected in the back. I think it's an improvement. I've already picked out the first pattern I'm going to do. I only got through the toe last night so more details Wednesday. (The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Desert Flower).

Rich Tapestry

Tapestry Scarf

Pattern: The scarf pattern the Yarn Harlot had on her blog
Yarn: Rowan Tapestry in Pot Pourri
Needles: KnitPicks options, size 5
Start Date: November 21, 2006
End Date: March 17, 2007
Comments: This scarf was born of the desire to do something with the (at the time) new Rowan Tapestry yarn. This yarn has soft color shift similar to Noro Kureyon and is a blend of wool and soy. The yarn has an overall interesting texture that is difficult to describe. Probably the best way would be that it feels fibrous. Once knit, this scarf has fantastic drape and sheen. I cast on 42 in order to produce a nice wide scarf and I believe I knit 4 balls, but I have to double check on that. Maybe it was only three...I've been knitting on this scarf off and on for so long I can't remember. The only drawback to the yarn is that it is a tad splitty. Granted, I was using my very sharp Knit Picks Options needles, but even with a blunter point I think this yarn would still be a little aggravating. Overall, I really enjoyed using this yarn and the pattern was super simple. The warm, but light fabric the Tapestry creates, the excellent colors, and the lovely drape more than make up for the splittiness. This scarf also receives the award for longest time to knit a scarf ever. (I think I can hear my knitting Group cheering! They've been watching me knit this thing forever).

I also finished the first Yarntini Project Runway sock! (Blurry picture due to Monday morning camera ineptitude). This sock was so much fun to knit. I love the color combination and the solid toe, heel, and cuff. I used the magic cast on from Knitty and a peasant heel. Now that the tapestry scarf is done I think I'll bring the second Project Runway sock to knit at Group this week. It's perfect easy knitting.

Thermal did receive some attention, but the progress isn't really interesting enough to take a picture. I'm working on the back section right now. It's moving along faster than before, but that really just means I went from the speed of a glacier to the speed of a snail. :)

I'm feeling better regarding Kilby. I spent the weekend cuddling with the other two cats, Laska and Nemo, and that picked up my spirits quite a bit. I do continually remember little things about her, but it's getting easier to think about them. Thanks again for all the kind words.

Duet

Duet Socks
Pattern: Modified from the pattern that came with the yarn (increased circumference to 60 stitches)
Yarn: A Swell Yarn Shop Duet Yarns in Sweet Valentine
Needles: Inox 2.5 mm
Start Date: January 31, 2007
End Date: February 7, 2007
Comments: Again I will toss out the word "love" to discuss some socks. I love these socks! Even after Angela from A Swell Yarn Shop (from whence the yarn comes) commented and told me I would have plenty of the solid color for my increased-sized heels I was unsure. Well, I ended up with about a yard leftover! That was cutting it close, but all's well that ends well. I did have plenty of the variegated left and that was with knitting for my size 10 feet and a 7 inch leg. Nice!The yarn is squishy and lovely to knit. It's taking a lot of will power to resist buying more...

These socks are so cute and happy. I think I will don them on Valentine's Day for their inaugural wearing.

In other knitting project news, I have officially swatched (and washed the swatch) for my next big project -Pippa. This cardigan is going to take a while, I know, but I think it will be worth it. Unfortunately my swatch grew a little after it's bath and I have to wait for some size 1's to arrive. The yarn is Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in Navy. Hopefully it does not turn my fingers blue like it did Claire's...It's so soft and it has such lovely stitch definition. Oh well, if I have to be a smurf, I have to be a smurf. :)

This weekend I plan on finishing up the second Endpaper Mitt. The first one is all done and ready to go - it just needs a mate. I'm surprised how much I've enjoyed two-color knitting with such tiny yarn. I think a lot of it has to do with how much I adore the finished product. (Yarn specs: Louet Gems Merino in Indigo and Neptune). If I get the Mitts done quickly enough I will also cast on for my Apple Laine socks. I've got a busy weekend ahead of me! How is everyone else going to spend the weekend?

Posh Socks

Posh Yarn Toe Up Socks
Pattern: Self-designed from different sources - Magic Cast On Toe, Peasant Heel
Yarn: Posh Yarns Lucia in Passionate (From Pick Up Sticks Sock Club)
Needles: Inox 2.5mm (US 1)
Start:January 25, 2007
End: January 31, 2007
Comments: I really wasn't sure this day would ever come. The day I would post about a successfully completed pair of toe-up socks. But here I am, telling you all that the Posh Toe Up Socks are done! Hooray! First of all, the yarn was lovely to knit. It is a wool/cashmere blend and it is just so soft and spongy. The colors are deeply saturated and it knit up with no pooling. Very pleasant knitting experience.

As for the toe-up success I couldn't be happier. I am definitely going to be doing the peasant heel again and I have a feeling it will replace my default heel flap heel as my favorite. The fit is terrific and I just love how easy it is. Plus it looks great! And I never have to worry about running out of yarn. Can you tell I love this heel? :)

I've already cast on for my next pair. This yarn is the Duet sock yarn I got from A Swell Yarn Shop. (It sells out really quickly, so, if you are interested, I suggest you sign up for their newsletter to get advance notice). The sock is being displayed by Kilby who always takes a strong interest in my knitting activities.

I'm knitting this on my trusty Inox 2.5mm double points and I am getting a gauge of just shy of 7 stitches per inch. It's a very plump yarn and it's knitting up quickly. I started this sock late Wednesday night and I'm already a few inches past where the heel will go. I added a little to the circumference, but other than that I'm following the pattern that was sent with the yarn. I see more of these socks in my future (if I can get my hands on more of this yarn!).

Restructuring

In order to get around this ennui I've been having with regards to my knitting I'm overhauling my whole project list process. In the past I have kept a large list of future projects broken into categories (e.g., sweaters, scarves) and then listed the projects with no particular priority. I also have my giant sock list with patterns and yarns all matched up. Then, I had a month by month goal list with projects assigned to each month. (My god this sounds geeky!)

Not anymore. I'm redoing the whole list and the way I'm doing it is by project type and then priority. (Yeah, sometimes I have a lot of free time). So, here's yet another revised list of what I'll be knitting in the future. I'll try to be working on something from each group at any one time, but I don't think I will restrict myself by monthly goals anymore. Also, these lists come with the disclaimer that I will rearrange, add, and remove things on random whims.

Scarf/Hat Projects:
1) Endpaper Mitts (Blues)
2) Coronet Hat and Here & There Cables Scarf in Malabrigo Brown Berries with Anemoi Mittens
3) Patons SWS Entrelac Scarf and Ribbed Hat
4) Wide Ribbed Scarf and Hat for Matt (Brooks Farm Duet)
5) Fake Isle Hat in Noro #148
6) Endpaper Mitts (Greens)

Socks:
1) Posh Yarns - another toe-up attempt.
2) Duet Socks from A Swell Yarn Shop
3) Project Runway Socks - Yarn from Yarntini
4) Philosopher’s Stone Socks for Matt (again)
5) Stillwater Lorna's Laces Desert Flower Socks

Sweaters:
1) Pippa Cardigan
2) Wicked
3) Knitting Pure & Simple Top Down Shaped Neck Cardigan
4) T-Twist in Green/Brown Brooks Farm
5) Shaped Neck Tee in Red/Brown Brooks Farm

And there you have it! Now, on to some actual knitting....

Marmalade Citrine Socks
Pattern: Marmalade
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock in mediumweight Citrine
Needles: Inox 2.5mm (US 1)
Start Date: January 15, 2007
End Date: January 24, 2007
Comments: These may be the most cheerful socks I've ever knit. I love the combination of pattern and color. They knit up quickly and I did not change a thing. Not much else to say about them.

Great Pattern + Great Yarn + Great Needles = Wonderful Socks

Fake Isle, Real Happy

I present to you the first official non-sock finished project of 2007:

Fake Isle Hat
Pattern: Fake Isle Hat by Amy King
Yarn: Noro Kureyon #150 and Patons Classic Merino in Black
Needles: Size 5 Denise circulars and size 5 KnitPicks dpns
Start Date: January 22, 2007
End Date: January 23, 2007
Comments: Monday I printed out the pattern, looked through the yarn stash, and started knitting. Tuesday night I finished. What a fantastic pattern! I knit the medium/large size and it fits pretty well. It's a tad too long so I'll just flip the rim up a little when I wear it. Matt assures me it looks cute that way. Unstretched the hat is 21 or so inches and my head is 22 inches around. (That sounds big when I type it). No modeled pictures as it is drying from it's bath last night. I already have plans for more of these hats. It's the perfect project to use up the occasional single ball of Kureyon. The hat took a full skein of Kureyon and only around half a ball of Patons Classic Merino.

Monday I received a little order from A Swell Yarn Shop. They are starting to sell their own line of sock yarn and I couldn't resist the new Duet sock yarn sets. The Duet sets are unique because they come with a little solid coordinating color yarn for the toe and heel. I contained myself and only ordered one color, Sweet Valentine. When it arrived I had no idea it would be so soft. It's just lovely yarn. Apparently they sell out within 24 hours of posting these sets, so if you are interested, you might want to sign up for their email list.

The Marmalade Citrine Socks are nearing the finish line. Pictures Friday!

***Knitting Group is tonight (Wednesday) at the Borders' Cafe in Wilmette (corner of Lake & Skokie). We meet from 6:30 until 8:00 and any yarn enthusiast is welcome!***

Up, Up and Away

Interlocking Balloons

Pattern: Interlocking Balloons from Scarf Style
Yarn: Knit Picks Merino Style in Dusk - almost exactly 5 skeins (approx. 600 yards)
Needles: Size 5 (Denise Set)
Start Date: December 4, 2006
End Date: December 12, 2006
Comments: I had been looking at this pattern for a long time. I always thought it would make a gorgeous scarf, but the chart made my head hurt just looking at it. Don't get me wrong. I love a good chart, but for some reason, this one, with all the little dots, caused me a bit of anxiety. So, with my trusty chart keeper and highlighter tape I began and before I knew it I made it I was through the first repeat.

The Knit Picks Merino Style was perfect for this pattern, allowing for stitch definition, but incredible soft squishiness too. While this isn't a quick knit by any stretch of the imagination, it was a fun knit and I'll be happy to knit another one for myself. (This one is a gift for an undisclosed recipient).

I wasn't able to make it to the end of the the 10th repeat as I started running out of yarn, so I did a total of 9 repeats and 12 rows into the next. The scarf is 9 inches wide (as the pattern predicted), but 72 inches long! Perfect for the tall recipient! The scarf as written was supposed to be 62 inches so I was excited to get such length out the yarn even though I didn't finish the last repeat. I guess my row gauge was totally different (I rarely check that when knitting a scarf).

That leads us to the final gift knitting project of the season - a pair of socks (I totally bailed on knitting a stocking for my nephew. I've promised to do it for his birthday in April or, at the latest, next Christmas. He's 20 months old. I don't think he'll even notice.). These socks will be knit in Socks that Rock Philosopher's Stone (lightweight) using the Garter Rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. They are another top secret project with an undisclosed recipient (Well, I actually asked the undisclosed recipient if he liked the color just to be sure, so it's not a total surprise, but I'm keeping it quiet anyway - shhh!).

***Knitting Group is tonight (Wednesday) at the Borders' Cafe in Wilmette (corner of Lake & Skokie). We meet from 6:30 until 8:00 and any yarn enthusiast is welcome!***

Let it Snow!

Brown and Blue Hat, Scarf, and Mittens

Pattern: Hat and Mittens: Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. Scarf: Sideways garter stitch (cast on a good amount and knit away!)
Yarn: Ebay seller 100purewool - 3 skeins of 218 yards each
Needles: Hat and Mittens: Size 6 Scarf: Size 8
Start Date: November 1, 2006
End Date: December 7, 2006
Comments: The only thing wrong with the hat, scarf, and mittens is that they are still drying! I would love to wear them today, but as they are a bit damp I'm afraid they would freeze the second the -8 degree wind chill hit. Thanks to everyone who commented regarding my mitten dilemma. As you may notice, I decided to go ahead and knit the mittens and just use what was left to finish the scarf. I think it worked out very well. I can't say enough good things about the yarn or the Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. These warmth-giving items would not be here today without their help. :)

We've got two holiday parties this weekend, but I'm hoping that on Sunday I can put in some time with the Interlocking Balloon scarf. Thank you to everyone for their reassurances regarding the color. I'm glad everyone agrees it is a good blue. I'm hoping to finish it sometime this week, but I have a long way to go.

I love to knit

You know what? I love to knit. There's no hiding the fact. I enjoy the process and the product. I think it's so neat I can whip up a hat in one evening or knit a complicated scarf that will take days and days all with a couple sticks and some yarn. I can't get enough of the textures and colors and the patterns.

Monday night I started another gift scarf. It's the Interlocking Balloons pattern from Scarf Style. The yarn is KnitPicks Merino Style in Dusk and it is lovely and squishy. I've only done two of the 10 repeats, but it's moving along pretty well now. It was slow going in the beginning as I had to adjust to the complicated looking chart, but it is getting easier and the result is so cool. I love the undulating lines of ribbing.

I'd read the yardage requirement may be a bit off in the pattern so I made sure I bought a couple extra skeins as the person this is for likes long scarves (who doesn't?). So far, one skein got me 15 inches in and just over two repeats. I have 4 skeins left - Looking good! (It irks me to ask such a sexist question, but here goes, the color is ok for a guy, right? It's an intense, but dark blue.)

So, last night after knitting the scarf for a little while I decided to make a hat to go with a scarf I started (but haven't finished) last month. I haven't blogged about the scarf since I only worked on it at a couple knitting group nights and then it got shoved off to the side. The yarn is from the ebay seller 100purewool and it feels like Malabrigo. It's from Uruguay (as is Malabrigo) and comes in fantastic colors (like Malabrigo). It's sold at a very very good price and knits up wonderfully so it's a favorite of mine. :)

The scarf is just a sideways garter stitch. I kind of just cast on lots and lots (maybe around 240?) and started knitting in garter stitch. I put it on hold when I came to the end of the first of three balls since I wanted to be sure I had enough to make a hat and maybe mittens too.

The hat took nearly a whole ball - probably around 160 yards (each ball is 218 yards). I'm debating whether to go ahead and knit the mittens and risk having a narrow scarf or just tossing the mitten idea and finishing the scarf making it really wide. What do you all think? (I think I'm leaning towards mittens...)

Here are the details on the hat:
Pattern: Based on the hat pattern in Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns (I added a little more slope to the decreases at the crown)
Yarn: From Ebay Seller 100purewool
Needles: Size 6 (denise set) with a gauge of 5 stitches per inch

Date Knit: December 5, 2006




***Knitting Group is tonight (Wednesday) at the Borders' Cafe in Wilmette (corner of Lake & Skokie). We meet from 6:30 until 8:00 and any yarn enthusiast is welcome!***

One Down...

Misty Garden I


Pattern: Misty Garden from Scarf Style
Yarn: Artful Yarns Portrait in Fazio's Mistress (#114)
Needles: Size US 7 bamboo straight(!)
Start Date: November 29, 2006
End Date:December 3, 2006
Comments: First off, sorry for the blob picture. Winter light and mohair just don't mix. :) As for the scarf itself, I'm very pleased. I'm not normally one for the feather and fan lace pattern, but it just looks so pretty with a lightly variegated mohair. This scarf is a gift for someone and I do hope they like it. I didn't make it my usual length (height of the person wearing it) as it seemed to be a dressier scarf. The total length is right around 60 inches and the width is 7 1/2 inches. The Artful Yarns Portrait was interesting to work with as it is slightly different than a lot of other mohair yarns. Instead of dying the center, core thread the same color as the mohair fluff, the thread is black. This creates a lot of depth when you see the scarf in person (as opposed to my less than good photo). I used right around a skein and a half.

Today I had hoped to announce the official finishing of Durrow, the sweater I'm knitting for Matt. Instead of working on my Tapestry scarf this weekend I decided to finish knitting the sweater. Unfortunately as I neared the end of it yesterday afternoon I hit a snag. I am knitting the front piece (the last piece I have left) and I got to the neck shaping. At that point I got lost. I've read and reread the instructions and it makes absolutely no sense to me. I'm sure I'm missing something really obvious, but I don't know what. I've emailed the designer and I hope to hear back from her soon. Until I get some clarification I'm afraid his sweater is just going to be in a pitiful pile.

Hat Ahoy!

An encore performance...

We Call Them Pirates Hat

Pattern: We Call Them Pirates Hat
Yarn: KnitPicks Merino Style in Coal and Vanilla
Needles: KnitPicks Options, size 5 for hat, size 2 for lining
Start Date: November 20, 2006
End Date: November 27, 2006
Comments: I made this hat for Matt in August. He loved it. Loved it so much he started wearing it the second it started turning cooler here. Somewhere between Career Services and the Tech Building the hat disappeared from Matt's coat pocket. I think it was an act of piracy. We may never know. I will tell you though, if I see anyone wearing that hat on this campus, I will get the hat back! But, until that happens, I went ahead and knit another one. I love Matt and the hat is pretty fun to knit so I didn't mind too much.

Other than the hat, very little knitting progress is being made. This may shock some of you, but I didn't even knit at all yesterday. I developed a neck ache yesterday morning and, coupled with post-holiday travel fatigue, I just sat on the couch last night like a lump. I think I may put some of my current projects on hold and start on the few holiday presents I have planned for people. That way I am sure they are done in time and who can argue with the allure of casting on for a new project. Silly me missing a whole evening of knitting time just before the holidays! ;)

***Knitting Group is tonight (Wednesday) at the Borders' Cafe in Wilmette (corner of Lake & Skokie). We meet from 6:30 until 8:00 and any yarn enthusiast is welcome!***

Kneevember!

Nodding Violet Knee Socks

Pattern: Customizable Knee Sock Pattern
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock lightweight in Nodding Violet - 2 skeins
Needles and Gauge: KnitPicks dpns, size 0 (2.0mm) with a gauge of 8.5 stitches per inch
Start Date: November 12, 2006
End Date: November 19, 2006
Comments: I cannot believe how much I love these socks. I had been admiring the Nodding Violet color for months. I had been looking fondly upon other people's lovely knee socks. I could not be happier with the combination. The Knee Sock Pattern worked out wonderfully. It takes a little math, but even if you are math-phobic I don't think it would be too difficult. These socks fit so well and I can't wait to wear them on Thanksgiving Day. Even though in the picture one sock looks taller, they are the same. I just have very limited photo capability on a Monday morning before work. I also will not be wearing them with my jeans rolled up to my knees. :)

These socks were another quick knit, but it's mainly due to the fact that I was home sick all day on Wednesday and that gave me a lotof knitting time. Also, I just can't put down the needles when I'm knitting with Socks that Rock. This was the first time I used the lightweight and I was incredibly happy. It has the same texture and twist that the mediumweight has and it creates a lovely, slightly thinner, but still very warm fabric.

Regarding yardage - I almost ran out. I was very nervous when I was knitting the toe on the first sock. I really wasn't sure I would have enough. I think I had about 3 or 4 yards left. That's cutting it close! Just to give a rough estimate in case others are interested, my calf circumference is a little less than 16 inches around, it's 13 inches from the narrowest part of my ankle to my knee, and my foot is right around 10 inches long. Each skein has 360 yards and I had maybe 10 yards left in the end.

Moving on to new things, the second Pick Up Sticks Club kit arrived a couple days ago. Another winner. The yarn is VvS Painted Yarns, a small Canadian company, and the color is Art Nouveau. The yarn itself reminds a lot of Socks that Rock mediumweight. It's a very similar look and feel though the colors are more subdued. Very elegant. The pattern is another stunning creation. I am currently reorganizing my sock knitting list so that I can cast on for this one soon.

Fastest Sweater EVER (and more socks)!

Rosedale United
Pattern: Rosedale United (knitty) (medium/42 inch size)
Yarn: Noro Kureyon #157
Needles: KnitPicks Options Size 6(US)
Start Date: October 24, 2006
Finish Date: November 3, 2006
Comments: This sweater was a lot of fun; both the colors and the pattern. It's a great way to use Noro Kureyon to its full advantage, showing off all the lovely color changes. I didn't realize until I got to the instructions for the intarsia rectangle that the majority of this sweater is knit back and forth, not in the round as I had assumed. Luckily, Kureyon on size 6 knits up fairly quickly, even when knitting and purling. I almost left out the little intarsia rectangle on the upper back and I kind of wish I had now. It puckers a little even though I made every effort to not strand to tightly at that spot. Oh well, it blocked out pretty well and it may even out more as I wear it. I really love this sweater and I think it may be the one that gets the most use out of my handknit sweater collection. I can just imagine wearing it throughout the winter whenever I need a color pick-me-up:)

Dublin Dragonfly Bay Socks
Pattern: Dublin Bay (pdf link here)
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Dragonfly
Needles: KnitPicks dpns sizes 1 and 0 (9 stitches per inch on 0's)
Start Date: October 19, 2006
End Date: November 6, 2006
Comments:These are the first pair of Sunshine Yarns I've knit using her new superwash sock yarn. Overall, I'm very happy with the result. The texture of the yarn is rather soft. I did feel the yarn is a tad bit thin and the spin is a little splitty, but the colors more than make up for any lack of enthusiasm I may feel for the actual yarn. Dani of Sunshine Yarns just knows how to pick colors and dye some beautiful yarn. From intense burgundy to soft pale blue, this yarn absolutely reminds me of a dragonfly. I'm glad I have more of this yarn, in a variety of colors, in my stash. :)

And here's what I cast on last night - That's the new Socks that Rock Rockin' Sock Club color Pink Granite using the pattern that came with it (Marble Arches). It has the adorable ruffly cuff. Love it!


***Knitting Group is tomorrow night (Wednesday) at the Borders' Cafe in Wilmette (corner of Lake & Skokie). We meet from 6:30pm until 8:00pm and any yarn enthusiast is welcome!***

Lovely Ivy

Ivy

Pattern: Ivy (from Knitty), 40 inch size
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Silk in Autumn Purple
Needles: KnitPicks circular size US #2
Start Date: October 1, 2006
End Date: October 28, 2006
Comments: Ivy was a challenging and fun project. The pattern is incredibly well-written. The author was very careful to give the knitter a heads up whenever there was simultaneous shaping which I really appreciated. She also wrote out the pattern for both the left and right fronts rather than simply saying "work right front as you did left. Reverse shaping." I also really liked how the larger decrease sections were hidden in the cable ribbing. Very clever and it looks fantastic! The neck edging was very carefully created. Overall, Ivy is probably one of the best patterns I've ever worked from. While it was an incredible challenging project the author did such a great job in the pattern writing that I never felt lost.

As for the yarn, I really enjoyed working with the Elann Peruvian Highland Silk and boy is it warm! This sweater will keep me toasty all winter, I'm sure. While knitting it I did not notice any pilling. The rich intense color is amazing. I can't believe the price on this stuff!

Chocolate Cherry Stillwater Socks

Chocolate Cherry Stillwater Socks


Pattern: Stillwater from Wildhorse Farm Designs
Yarn: Claudia Hand Painted in Chocolate Cherry
Needles: KnitPicks DPNS US 1
Start Date: October 9, 2006
End Date: October 19, 2006
Comments: I love love love love love these socks! First of all, the yarn is fantastic. Not a single complaint aside from my usual size 10 desire for more yardage. The spin and texture are identical (at least to me) to Koigu (and the label says Gems so I think we've got a match!). The different browns, reds, and pinks were just so lovely to knit. As for the pattern - wow! Wildhorse Farm Designs' patterns are really nice because they come with written as well as charted pattern instructions. Also, two sizing options are given (determined by gauge) which is a really nice feature for those of us with slightly larger than average footsies. There are even additional instructions if you want to knit these using sportweight. I will absolutely be using this pattern again in the future.

I am also very happy that my fabulous new sock blockers arrived in time for this photo shoot. I've been eyeing these on ebay for ages and finally ordered them because they make the perfect Socktober present (for myself). I really doubt I'll block my socks regularly, but these blockers sure help show of the stitch pattern nicely for blog photos. When I opened the box I thought they looked way too big (I had ordered the large size which is for ladies 10 and up), but my socks all fit them really well. I guess I never realized my foot would look so huge if it was flattened:)

Disco Socks!

Schoeller & Stahl Fortissima Mexiko Disco Socks

Pattern: Basic sock pattern of my own creation
Yarn: Schoeller & Stahl Mexiko Disco Socks color #9051 Durango
Needles: KnitPicks dpns - US 1
Start Date: October 2, 2006
End Date: October 9, 2006
Comments: Ah, the first pair of Socktober 2006 socks. Even though we were out of town this weekend, I found some time to knit a bit and by the time we got home this evening all I had left were the toes. While these socks had a bit of a rough start (I got all the way through the gusset decreases the first go around only to realize the sock was huge) in the end I am very happy with them. The little sparkles in the yarn are a lot of fun and they are the perfect color to wear with jeans.

As my brain was numb from traveling all day, I decided to cast on for another pair of socks rather than work on Ivy. So, here is the beginning of a sock using Claudia Hand Painted in Chocolate Cherry. The pattern is Stillwater from Wildhorse Farm Designs. I really love how it is working with the yarn. The yarn itself is wonderful. The colors are vibrant and rich. I'm almost positive this is the same base yarn as Koigu. It feels fantastic:)

Koigu Socks

Koigu (Autumn Leaves) Socks
Pattern: Basic Sock Pattern using Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns
Yarn:Koigu KPPPM P704
Needles: KnitPicks double points, 1's and 0's
Start Date: September 11, 2006
End Date: September 28, 2006
Comments: These are the first socks I've knit with Koigu and overall I am very happy. The spin of the yarn and the depth of color is fantastic. I was a little bummed about the yardage (175 yards - For comparison, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock has 215 yards). I nearly ran out of yarn on my first sock. I ended up shortening the foot length by half an inch just to be safe and good thing I did. The picture to the right shows you what I had left over from both socks. Normally I knit 8 1/4 inches from the heel to the start of the toe decreases, but this time I stopped at 7 3/4 inches. It definitely still fits, but it is a little short. I'm just glad I wasn't doing ribbing or a cable as I would have had to frog the sock for sure! Oh well, I'm sure I'll still knit some more socks with Koigu, as it is so lovely, but I'll be very aware of the yardage.

Returning to the positive - While knitting I stopped repeatedly just to look at the lovely fabric the Koigu created. I'm not sure if it's because of the spotty coloring or what, but I just absolutely loved knitting these socks.


And here's a few pictures of me modeling the Silk Shrug (I could not get a good picture to save my life. These are the best I could do...). I am very happy with this shrug and I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of it. I was tempted to knit it in a pretty light blue, but I'm glad I went with a neutral brown since it will go with practically everything. It is a tad more snug than I wanted. The pattern didn't provide much in the way of sizing (I knit the M/L size). Fortunately, I have recently reapplied myself to eating well and exercising again so I think this shrug will fit perfectly within a month or two:) (Full details about the Silk Shrug are in my September 24th post).

I finished the second sleeve for Matt's sweater this week as well so I just need to finish the back and knit the front sometime before the winter solstice. Much better than last year's frantic holiday knitting schedule. No picture now, but I'll give you another peek as we get closer to the winter holidays.

Tonight Matt and I are going to our first opera at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. We'll be seeing Turandot and I am so excited! (My Mom gave us tickets to four of the operas this season as an early winter solstice gift). Yea! I bought a pretty dress last weekend and we've been reviewing the music and libretto all week. We're ready:)

Besotted Scarf

Besotted Scarf
Pattern: Besotted Scarf
Yarn: K1C2 Paint Box in Walnut Plum #10
Needles: KnitPicks Options US 5/3.75 mm
Start Date: September 5, 2006
End Date: September 27, 2006
Comments: Not much to say on this one. The yarn was very nice. Similar to Noro Kureyon, but a little more consistency on the thickness. The pattern is very pretty and I would absolutely knit it again. Great practice for cabling without a cable needle.

I got a few inches more done on the Elizabeth I scarf, but I really don't like the fabric I'm getting with the KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud. It's just doesn't have enough substance. It's definitely more of a cobweb weight rather than a lace weight. I think I might scrap this project for the time being.

Silk Shrug

Silk Shrug
Pattern: Silk Shrug
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca & Silk in Mocha
Needles: KnitPicks circular Size 2 and 6
Start Date: September 7, 2006
End Date: September 23, 2006
Comments: Tiny needles. Endless stockinette. Picking up 300 stitches. Expensive yarn. These are the reasons I should dislike this shrug. However, these things are outweighed by the following: Beautiful stitches, shimmering yarn, elegantly simple design, silk & alpaca. As soon as it is dry I'll be sure to post a picture of me wearing it, but for now all I've got is the boring drying-in-progress shot (I think this photo kind of makes the shrug look like the little green guy on the cover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).

The pattern was very simple and easy to follow. Perfect mindless TV watching knitting. I really have nothing bad to say about it. The yarn was a pleasure to work with and I would knit with it again in a heartbeat. The only complaint I have about it is that it is a little splitty, but the end result more than makes up for that.

The Besotted Scarf and Elizabeth I lace scarf will now get a bit more attention. Hopefully I can finish these to meet my September goals. (I have doubts I'll get around to finishing the Trinket scarf...we'll see.) The Koigu socks are going very well so I am sure they'll be done by the end of the week. Here's a group photo of all my works in progress:)

Oh, and for super socky fun, check out Northern Sunshine Designs for some fabulous sock patterns. I've already bought a few (Marmalade, Cedar Bark, and Agate Bay) and they are very well done. The designs are fun, they are written in a very user friendly format, and they are a great price. What more can you want?

And if you truly love knitting socks, be sure to sign up for Lolly's Socktoberfest which celebrates all things about handknit socks! Feel the socktacular love:)