(Not So) Vanilla Latte Socks

 

I've been wanting to make a pair of socks for my cousin for a while, but never had her foot size.  On a recent trip back home, I was able to take proper foot measurements and get started.  Hannah was more than happy to be the recipient of one of my creations, but had one condition.  She didn't want me to spend too much on the yarn.  I assured her that I had tons in my stash, but she insisted that we take a trip to Joanne's to pick out something for her.  

I have always admired Paton's Kroy Sock Yarn.  An inexpensive, but extremely durable yarn is such a great value.  They also have a great selection of colors as well.  The colorway that Hannah chose was "Meadow Stripes."  It turned out to be a great choice for the Vanilla Latte Sock pattern by Virginia Rose-Jeanes I chose for her. 

As you can see, Hannah was more than happy with the results.

Mason Dixon Kimono

Lately, I've been doing a lot of baby knitting.  Three cousins, a co-worker, and my landlady were blessed with little bundles over the past year.  When my friend Rosalie told me she was expecting her third child, I wanted to make something really special.  I had always wanted to knit up  the Baby Kimono from Mason Dixon Knitting.  

While the pattern seems complex, it's really simple to follow.  It was knit up in Lion Brand Cotton Ease which, unfortunately, is discontinued.  You can use almost any cotton yarn,  but I liked the softness of the fabric that this yarn knit up. 

I discovered the patterns from Mason Dixon Knitting quite some time ago..  You'll see in earlier posts that I have completed three Modern Log Cabin blankets; one adult size and two baby.  I love their selection of everyday knitted patterns.  

Fawke's Tail Scarf

 

Another great design from Yarn over New York!!  I was flattered to be invited to test knit one of her new creations.  The Fawke's Tail Scarf was knit up in Rain City Knits Supersock in the Steel Gray colorway.  Everyone else participating in the test was using variegated colorways and I wanted to do the same.  However, I just couldn't make up my mind from the many colorways I had in my stash.  Additionally, I wanted to do something a little different than everyone else.  I feel that the gray colorway really makes the pattern pop out.  I also discovered that, depending on the light, the yarn gave off different hues.  Love the way it knitted up and can't wait to wear it this fall.

Is that a Family Name?

I have discovered and fallen in love with the yarnbox subscription.  Every month with perfect timing I get the most wonderful packet of sock yarn and a suggested pattern.  This shipment of Louet Gems Fingering yarn in "CandyApple Red," "Flourescent Green," and "Peacock" featured the sock pattern "Tilson Socks," by Jessica K. Larson.  I couldn't wait to try this pattern for two reasons.  One, I really wanted to do a sock project to perfect my striping technique and second, the name of the pattern.  My mother's maiden name is Tilson; I thought it a remarkable coincidence.  I love how the colors blended together.  I got many compliments on these socks and plan on doing them again, but in the smaller size.  With no stitch pattern, these "vanilla socks" are better knit up in a smaller size.

Ghost Ranch Cowl

My most favorite designer I like to test for is Yarn over New York.  https://yarnovernewyork.wordpress.com/

I was very happy to participate in the test knit for the Ghost Ranch cowl.  I love the was the slipped stitches combined the colors and gave the impression of a herringbone design.  The cowl pattern was knit in the round with US Size 3 (3.25mm) needles, and have to be careful to use the shortest circular needles you can.

I used two color combinations for each cowl.  The cowl on the left was made with Debbie Bliss Rialto 4 ply in forest green, yellow green, and cream colorways.  Although the colors are neutral, the pattern made them really pop.  The cowl on the left was made with Rowan Super Fine Merino 4 ply in Sky, Lilac, and Fresh.  These contrasting colors gave me great look as well.

I look forward to the opportunity to test again for this designer

International Sock Swap

I hadn't been involved in any swaps in so long.  I find that there are very few swaps on ravelry.com these days.  Luckily, the International Sock Swap is alive and kicking.  I chose "Dither" by General Hogbuffer.  I wanted to try my luck at stranded knitting and just loved the color graduation the pattern offered.  It took me a while to find the right combination of colors.  I settled on Heritage Solids by Cascade Yarns in purple hyacinth, turquoise, and citron.  The results were fantastic.  I received several compliments on them while they were on the needles and the swap recipient loved them as well.

I plan on doing this pattern again, but I think I'll try a  more subtler color combo.