Knitty Gritty

I love the Knitty ezine and when I saw this pattern, I couldn't wait to start. I went through three different colors and two different needle sizes to get it right. Thepattern wasn't difficult, but you REALLY had to pay attention to what you were doing. I think that I have pretty much broken the record on frogging and starting over. The photo never does the sock justice, but this was made from Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in a red, pink, purple and navy blue colorway. It knitted up very nicely. Hopefully you can see the fan motif on the socks. I continued the heel stitches with the motif by knitting into the back of the stitch and giving it that raised look. I also did the toe the same way. I'm not sure if the pattern called for it or not, as I never read heel or toe directions in any sock. I look forward to knitting another couple of pairs soon. At least one pair will be for me.

Kaya Cropped Shrug

I was frustrated with how "My So Called Scarf" was turning out with the thicker yarn so I pulled it all out and started this shrug which I found on Ravelry. It was very easy to work up with Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky on size 10 1/2 and 11 needles. I love the Redwood Forest colorway. This has given me a new interest in the top down ragland style. I'm looking for more top down sweaters to knit and want to do more with different weights of yarn.

Grande Finale - Hot Sox Part VI

The last installment of the Tofutsies "Hot Sox" club is finally finished. I love the way the colors were themed with the season we were knitting in. I followed all the patterns that were provided to us, even though we didn't have too. Some of the folks in the club didn't even use the yarn to make socks. I really loved working up this pattern. It is another variation on a zig zag pattern I've done several times. Even though I'm a fan of the short row heel, I liked working this heel. It gave a sturdier heel. The ruffled cuff was another new thing that was neat to do. Although I would never picked out this color for myself, I stepped out of my comfort zone and ended up loving it. It will always remind me of the different colors of the spring. I hope that the Southwestern Trading Company and Tofutsies decided to do this again. I will definately participate. After knitting the socks, I even had yarn left over to either make a pair of baby socks or even for a mitered square scarf.

Kew (Whew!!)

Another knitty.com pattern that I've been wanting to try for a long time. This had to be done on four needles which I had to get used to after using the Magic Loop Method for so long. I really enjoyed making these, even though I had to do much frogging for the first sock. Although the photo doesn't really show the colors, but the sock is made from Koigu Merino in a blue, green and purple colorway. The lucky recipient is my mom as a surprise.

Hot Sox Part V

I think that of all the colors and patterns, this is my favorite. It has an alternating lace and cable pattern running up from the toe to the leg. The different blues, pinks and a hint of orange makes everything really pop. The pattern is a great one to do for Valentine's Day. I do plan on making this again for a special someone, but in a myriad of pink colors. I have to finish the Hot Sox Part VI before I start this.

Hot Sox Part IV

I really enjoyed this latest edition. It was the first time that I tried knitting with beads. It was quite easy as I didn't have to string the beads beforehand. I had more success on the short row heel this time also. The camera doesn't do the pattern justice; it's a honeycomb type of pattern with a bead in the middle. I've worn them already and have received lots of compliments. The color goes great with a pair of jeans.

From Handspun to Finished Product

  Here is the project made from my first handspun. As the yarn was very bulky, there wasn't enough yardage to work with. However, with the use of size eleven needles, I was able to create a simple hat. It was originally to be a gaitor, but as I progressed, I tried it on and saw that I could continue on. I didn't follow any particular pattern and "winged it" on the decrease and bind off. I just wish I hadn't waited so long to ply and knit this up considering that winter is almost over.

My First Spinning Experience

 

I had resisted the urge to try and spin yarn, but upon a trip to the Connecticut Sheep & Wool Festival last April 2008, my new friend Mary urged to me give it a "whorl." (Couldn't resist the pun). Well, now I am hooked and here is the first and second spinning projects for me. The blue and purple is roving that came with the beginner spindle kit. It came with a short five minute tutorial from the lady selling it. The "cotton candy" color is a soy-silk/merino blend which was purchased at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival which took place in Rhinebeck, NY last October 2008. There will definately be more pictures to come, as I have more roving of different colors and fibers to spin. Stay tuned.

Bibs of Love

 These aren't your ordinary bibs. Another project from "Mason Dixon Knitting" is completed. These bibs are more versatile, thicker, and more durable than anything you can every buy. The colors that are available through "Peaches & Creme" not only give you a beautiful bib, you will enjoy making them as well. The pattern is super easy and one ball of "Peaches & Creme" will make one bib. So, who's the recipient for this? Who else, little Joshua Palkewick who is the son of friends at my church. I hope they enjoy them.

Quite Fetching

 

For Christmas knitting, I decided to do the "Fetching" Fingerless Mitt pattern from knitty.com. The pattern was easy to follow. My first pair were made with Debbie Bliss Casmerino and they are sooooo soft. For the other gifts, I used a variety of yarns. Some were made with Paton's SWS; some with Lion Brand Wool Ease, and some with Vanna's Choice. No matter which yarn you use, you will not be dissapointed with how it turns out. All the recipients of the mitts were happy with their gift.

Hot Sox Part III

 

This is the third installment in the Hot Socks limited colors edition. These were originally for Thanksgiving, but Christmas knitting got me a little behind. You can't see from the photo, but the pattern is a pumpkin motiff. It was a simple pattern to follow. I didn't do the heel flap that came with the directions. Once I have the stitches divided on the needles for magic loop, I don't want to redistribute. I attempted to do a short row heel and used directions from a video on youtube that explained it very easily. There were no wrapped stitches. Needless to say, it was very simple and the seams turned out fine. The colors fit well into the fall/harvest theme for the November/December KAL. With the pink/rose color added in, it reminds me of butter brickle ice cream.

I'm now off to start hot socks Part IV where I will venture into knitting with beads. Can't wait to show you.

A Great In"Vest"ment

 

The weather is starting to turn colder, but who cares when you can don this great vest. It's a simple vest from Plymouth Yarns. It was knit entirely in one piece and turned out to be quite simple. The yarns are from Plymouth worsted. I love the green, brown and black colors running throughout. The buttons were purchased at "The Yarn Barn" where the selection is great. This vest can be either dressed up with a pair of slacks or dressed down with a pair of dark or black jeans. I can see making this again with another brighter color.

Hot Sox - Part Deux

 

The second edition of the Hot Sox Project by Tofutsies. These colors blended together are great. They are perfect to wear with a pair of jeans and a denim shirt. As usual, the picture doesn't do the colors justice, but they look great. I used the pattern that came with the yarn. The only variation was that I didn't do the separate pocket for the big toe. I don't wear socks with flip flops (who does?). The pattern is a simple, easy to follow right twist, but if I were to do this again, I wouldn't continue the pattern for the heel flap. It makes casting on the gusset stitches a bear.

I can't wait for the next installment.

A Gift from an Angel

 

Nobody wants summer to end. Unless, of course, you have great socks like these. I received these beautful, soft socks from my "Pay it Forward" angel Cheryl, aka "Wildflower on Ravelry." Theyarn is so soft and I absolutely love the color. "Pay it Forward" is a great group on Ravelry that I participate in. It gives you a good feeling to do something nice for someone you don't know.

Hot Sox - Phase 1

 

The first edition of the Hot Sox Cub is completed. As usual, the camera doesn't do the colors justice. I'm really glad I am participating in this club at my local yarn shop, "A Stitch in Time." I've met some lovely ladies there and love the chance to socialize. Coming soon. Hot Sox - Phase 2.