You May Notice

This post is not all about my finished Thermal. I'm having button issues. The ones I bought for it are a little too small and the only other ones I had in the house looked dumb. Hopefully I can pick up some good ones this weekend and show you a completely finished Thermal next week.

As for now I am working on a super plain and easy sock. The yarn is Meilenweit Cotton Fantasy (a wool/cotton blend). The color has the descriptive name of 803. Doesn't this sock just make you think of 803? :)

I'm knitting this sock on size 0 (2.0 mm) double points and doing a simple 2x2 ribbing with a peasant heel. I'm a couple inches past the heel already. The yarn is knitting up very nicely and, as always, the self-striping just makes me knit faster and faster. I love seeing the next stripe appear!

Here we go...

The new pattern and needle size are working so much better! I am using size 2.0 (US 0) needles with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Desert Flower and the spindle pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks. I should be casting on for the second one in no time. (In the picture, if you look very closely about halfway down on the right side you'll see a little bit of red. That's where my peasant heel will be going).

Janet in Houston asked me what gauge I get with Inox US 0 (2.0mm) and Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. Short answer is 9 stitches per inch. Long answer, which my knitting Group is all too familiar with, is that everyone knits differently and you have to swatch it to find out. I'm never sure how much information people want or need when it comes to sock sizing, but I'll give you the general overview of how I size my socks.

First, I figure my gauge (stitches per inch). Sometimes I swatch to find this, but I've also been keeping a list of socks yarns I've knit with in the past and what gauge I got on certain needles - no need to swatch! The most important thing to remember here is that you can't let a pattern or someone else dictate what needle size to use. Those are just suggestions. You have to be happy with the fabric. For example, Lorna's does not look good to me on US 1's. It just doesn't. I get around 8 stitches per inch on US 1's and that just doesn't look as good to me as 9 stitches per inch which I get with US 0's. Someone else might like it, or they might get 9 stitches per inch on US 1's. We all knit differently. That's what keeps things interesting. :)

Secondly, I measure around the widest part of my foot. This is pretty self-explanatory. Just measure snugly around the wide part right above your toes.

Thirdly, multiply your gauge and your foot circumference to figure out what number to cast on (or what number to increase to if you are doing toe-up). For example, in my case with Lorna's on 0's, that would be:

9 stitches per inch x 9 inches around my foot = 81.

Finally, sometimes it's good to be negative. Ok, that's dorky, but it is true. In some stitch patterns you want some negative ease. Negative ease, the way I think about it, is when the fabric hugs the foot rather than fitting perfectly around the foot. If I knit a plain stockinette sock, I usually knit with about 10% negative ease. So, if my gauge x circumference number was 81, I would probably cast on 72.

81 x 10% = 8
81 - 8 = 73, but I like even numbers, so 72.

With ribbing patterns I usually just find a good number somewhere between the gauge x circumference number and the negative ease number. Whatever works well with the pattern repeat. It makes life much easier (and balanced) if you make sure your pattern repeat divides evenly into your total stitch count.

Ok, so that was the long answer! Hope I wasn't too pedantic and I didn't confuse or bore anyone. That was just a glimpse into my knitting thought process. :)

Thermal is being neglected. I think I'll make this weekend Thermal-only knitting. I'd like to finish it before our Oregon visit in mid-April. That may be overly ambitious if I'm continually distracted with sock knitting...

A Pattern for Every Sock

Monday night I happily began knitting the crosshatch lace pattern from the new More Sensational Knitted Socks (see photo to the right). For some reason I decided to knit the Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock on US 1's. I have no idea why. I know I should only ever knit Lorna's on US 0's, but for some reason I didn't this time. After about 5 inches or so I realized the following:

1) I didn't like the bigger needle size;
2) I didn't like the pattern with the yarn color (Desert Flower);
3) The yarn was pooling in a crazy way; and
4) The sock was going to be a tad too big.

So, last night I started over. Since I had to start from scratch I'm not too far yet, but I can tell already that this pattern and needle size (US 0/2.0mm) is going to work much better. I'm using the spindle pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks. It's not showing up too well in the photo, but it looks great in person. I'll try to get a better picture once the first sock is finished (and if sunlight ever comes back to the Chicago area). I'm still getting some intense striping, but that's just how Lorna's sock yarn rolls. :)

Since I've refrained from any new yarn purchases for a couple weeks now I have no new yarn to show you. I do however have my awesome new knitting bag that I ordered this past winter in anticipation of spring. My new Offhand Designs Zelda Grand in Posey. I just love the bright cheery color. The handles are a really dark grape purple and the lining is bright pink. It's the perfect size for toting a couple sock projects to Group night. Speaking of Group...

***Knitting Group is Tonight! We meet at the new Starbucks in Wilmette (corner of Lake & Laramie, just to the west of I-94 on Lake Ave.). We start at around 6:30 and go until 8ish. Any yarn enthusiast is welcome!***

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).

Matchy Matchy

Most of the socks I knit I really don't worry about making them identical. The only time I do is when the yarn is self-striping. Then it's part of the fun to see how close I can get. Looks good so far! (Yarn: Yarntini in Make it Work! (striping) and Carry on! (shot of solid); Pattern: None really, using magic cast-on from knitty.com and peasant heel).

And for those sock knitters looking for a challenge have you seen the 52 Pair Plunge Knitalong? The knitalong starts April 1, 2007 and ends April 1, 2008 and the challenge is to knit 52 pairs in one year. Anyone signing up? Adrienne? Claire? :)

***Knitting Group is Tonight! We meet at the new Starbucks in Wilmette (corner of Lake & Laramie, just to the west of I-94 on Lake Ave.). We start at around 6:30 and go until 8ish. Any yarn enthusiast is welcome!***

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.

Life moves on

Thank you to everyone for your kind words about Kilby's passing. Knowing so many people are sending good thoughts our way really does help. I took the day off work today and I've spent time just thinking about how much she meant to me and Matt. I will never have another kitty like her, but that's what made her so special.

Over the last few days I have gotten a bit of knitting done. Nothing like the calming nature of knitting.

Conifer Socks
Pattern: Conifer by Meghan Jackson from the Pick Up Sticks Sock Club
Yarn: Apple Laine Apple Pie in English Garden
Needles: Inox size 2.5mm (US 1)
Start Date: February 20, 2007
End Date: March 14, 2007
Comments: Once I figured out I should actually read the pattern, these socks knit very nicely. The pattern designer, Meghan Jackson, has outstanding attention to detail. Not only is the top of leg done in a unique stitch pattern, the leg is in a different stitch and then she carries the ribbing pattern through the heel and the toe. Pretty cool.

The Apple Laine yarn is one I don't think I would have necessarily ordered on my own so I was curious when I received it through the Pick Up Sticks Sock Club. Turns out I absolutely loved working with it. It's a wool/silk/mohair/nylon blend with a beautiful fuzz and sheen. The colors are deeply saturated and I had absolutely no pooling. I think there is a very very slight difference in the intensity of the color if you compare the two socks, but nothing too noticeable.

Wednesday night I started my next pair of socks. These are being knit in Yarntini's Project Runway colors, "Carry On!" and "Make it Work!" in fingering weight. I'm knitting toe-up to maximize the yardage and that way I can do my new favorite heel - the peasant heel (you can just see the waste yarn below the top black line). I thought I would do a 2x2 ribbing on the foot and leg, but after looking at it again last night I ripped back to the toe and started the foot over again with just plain stockinette. Much better. For the curious, I'm getting 8 stitches per inch on 0's (2.0mm).

This weekend I'm hoping to spend some good quality time with Thermal. All the socks this week have been distracting me, but I still have hopes of someday finishing Thermal and wearing it. :) Speaking of distractions, here are the new Duet Sock yarns I got earlier this week. The colors are Evening Elegance and Razzleberry. I really just can't get enough of this yarn. Maybe she'll start a sock club...I wouldn't be able to resist a Duet sock club...Are you reading this, Angela? :)

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?

Baby It's Cold Outside

It's a bit chilly here in Chicagoland. The weather people are predicting a high of 6. Yikes! Good thing I just started on a project that will keep me toasty warm. I present the first nearly completed Endpaper Mitt!

I'm knitting the mitts in Louet Gems Merino in the colors Indigo and Neptune on size 2.75mm needles. I can't believe how quickly the tiny tiny yarn knits up into such a beautiful pattern. Eunny's design is just perfect. That's not a ladder running down the left side, but a tiny little purl seam. I'm hoping to finish this one today and have the pair done by next week.

I originally cast on using some Fleece Artist merino sock yarn in Moss and Louet Gems Merino in Champagne, but after I got a couple repeats in I pulled out the needles and cast on with the blues you see. Now I wish I hadn't been so hasty as Matt saw the start of the other one and said it looked great....maybe I can pick up all the stitches...

Aside from the Endpaper Mitts (which I admit are absorbing most of my time) I've made some progress on my Duet Socks. The first sock is all done except for the heel and the second one is cruising along. I'm just going to do both heels at the end as I'm a little nervous about having enough yarn to do both (I increased the size a bit from what the pattern indicated).

I checked this weekend and A Swell Yarn Shop did have more of this terrific sock yarn back in stock, but who knows how long it will last. I really really really wanted to order another set (the Dylan colorway is so cute), but I'm resisting...at least until a little destash sale of mine is over on Ebay (shameless plug).

I swatched for my next sweater project. It's a time consuming one. Tiny yarn, tiny needles, knit in pieces. Details soon. :)

Ack! Just got tagged by MLE for the 5 Secrets About Me meme.

Here you go:
1) I have to eat KitKats in layers (chocolate first then each individual wafer);
2) If I finish a book, I have to start the first chapter of the next one, even if it's 2am;
3) The colder it is, the more I want ice cream (Saturday night when it was -3 we went to Ben and Jerry's);
4) I knew I would marry Matt the night we first kissed; and
5) I went to law school on a whim - whoops!

I tag my fellow knitting Group Members (links for those that have blogs on the right hand side. Those that don't you are welcome to just leave it in a comment): Adrienne, Liz, Kathy, Jen, Lynae, Tamara, and Claire. :)

Oh and Kim - Tag you are it too!

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

Out With the Old

Monday I was feeling up to knitting finally and as I perused my current works in progress I just didn't really want to work on any of them. Then I did something I've never done before. I intentionally ripped the needles out of a perfectly good nearly finished sock. The Pure Fall socks are now officially off the needles. Someday (maybe next fall?) I'll start them again. I was just getting aggravated with the whole toe-up heel flap nonsense.

As for the Socks that Rock Philosopher's Stone socks for Matt? Well, I'm really not sure I have enough yarn to finish the second sock. So rather than continuing on blindly, I am awaiting delivery of a small kitchen scale which will give me the cold hard facts.

That leaves the Rowan Tapestry scarf all alone in my knitting bag. Once I picked it up, I decided to just knit it for a little while and I ended up making some real progress. I may actually finish it some time soon!

Yesterday was my last day off before heading back to work so I decided to cast on for some unscheduled spontaneously chosen socks. I decided to knit one of the Pick Up Sticks Sock Club Kits. This is the VvS Painted Yarn in the color Art Nouveau and the Lichen pattern. I believe it is the 4 ply. The sock is knitting up very quickly due to the larger gauge and great pattern. I do feel like I may have knit a bit too much the last couple days as well as doing other daily things like washing dishes, sorting bills, etc. as my neck is feeling not so good. I just hope being back at work today doesn't make it worse.

Knitting Group is tonight at the Border's in Wilmette (the corner of Skokie and Lake) at 6:30pm. As always, all yarn enthusiasts are welcome. I'm hoping to make it, but it really depends on how I'm feeling by the end of the day. I just hate to miss a meeting with all my knitting buddies!

Rockin' Around

Quick, non-knitting report: At around 5:30am on Saturday morning I woke up with the worst searing pain. No matter which way I turned my neck it was intensely painful. Even putting my head on the pillow hurt! Geez! Since then it has slowly gotten better, but man, it hurts! No idea what I did, but we figured I must have pinched a nerve at some point. Ugh! What a way to spend a weekend. :(

As you can imagine, very little knitting happened over the last few days. I only today felt I could pick up the needles, but even then it was just to finish the toe to the first Socks that Rocks Philosopher's Stone sock. I'm going to take it easy on the knitting for a while until my neck is back to normal. I really like how this sock turned out. I used the garter rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. The lightweight Socks that Rock knit up into a very nice, dense fabric and I just love the combination of colors. Now, to cast on for sock number 2...

In happy cheery news I received the final 2006 Rockin' Sock Club kit today (I'm staying home from work due to the neck pain). The kit included two colors! On the left is Rare Gems in mediumweight. Rare Gems is created when there are dying mistakes. Have you ever seen such a gorgeous mistake? On the right is the official December color - Mustang Sally in lightweight! I absolutely love both of these. The pattern for Mustang Sally is very pretty, but it involves beads...not sure about the beads...The color reminds me of another Blue Moon Fiber Arts color - Cherries Jubilee (I used that color in their cotton sock yarn, Sock Candy this summer). I just love the intense pinky reds. Yea!

So, not sure what knitting will happen in the next few days. Kind of depends on the whole stupid neck thing. Ugh.

Good news is that I did finish Durrow on Friday (I have a feeling the hours of finishing may be what killed my neck). More details on the sweater once it is gifted to the recipient next week. :)

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.