Lovely Patches

I've still got socks on the brain!  Not new socks (although there were socks under the tree).  Instead I'm thinking of old socks.  Socks with holes!

Blue sock with hole in heel

My sister-in-law, who is also a knitter, tipped me off to a good a great video tutorial on You-Tube.  The instructor creates a new patch that is knitted right onto the existing sock to cover the hole.  No sewing!  It is a beautiful thing.

Now my sock is not wool and neither is my patch.  So the patch will not felt into the old sock, but at least it will once again be wearable.  I must confess, though, that I used sock yarn for the patch where the original was made in worsted.  So, I fudged the technique and had to add extra stitches to make the appropriate width.

Fixed Sock!

I do like the final product.  Hope it prolongs the life of the socks a little longer.  At the very least I can wear these socks again.  And it only took me 15-20 minutes.  How about that?!

Happy Holidays . . .

How's the festivities at your place?  We're in full Christmas cheer here in the house on the hill.

The tree is up.  The presents are wrapped.  The baking is done.  We're just relaxin' and chillin' with the kids as we await Santa's arrival . . . .

Hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas with loved ones nearby.

Sock-perimentation

As soon as I finished off the last sock, I searched Ravelry for sock patterns.  I was looking for something different.  The yarn I planned to use (Bernat Sox) can pool wickedly--and not in a pleasant way.  So my search centered on a pattern that would counter pooling tendencies of multi-coloured yarn.  To wit, I found a neat pattern: Aquaphobia socks (Rav link).  

New Sock

My first attempt was frogged--misread the pattern.  So I cast on again with some simple mods:
1) cast on 64 sts instead of 68; still made increases but working with 72 sts instead of 76
2) worked 2x2 ribbing instead of 1x1
3) not working cable and instead have 2x2 reverse ribbing on the sides (p2, k2, p4, k2, p2, work slip-stitch pattern).

Taming the Pool

The effect isn't perfect, but the slip-stitch pattern does appear to tame some of the colour pooling.  Sadly I may have to frog again: when I tried on the sock, the leg seemed too loose.  Ugh!  I may have to stick to 64 stitches and forget about adding any increases.  I'm also using 2.5 mm needles, but I hesitate to go down to 2.25 mm 'cuz the slip-stitch pattern doesn't have much "give".

Here's hoping third time is the charm!

About That Sock

Almost done . . . 

You know the one?  I've been working on it on and off since . . . well, sadly its been just over a year 'cuz I put it down and worked on other projects.  The other projects got done, but the socks--not so much.

Warming my feet by the fire

With school work done for the time being, I've managed to reach the toes--almost done!  And not a moment too soon!

Look at the weather outside!

Check out the stormy weather outside.  There's snow falling--and lots of it!  The wind is stirring and blowing all the white stuff.  We're quite content to stay indoors.  Definitely need my woolies today!

Storming outside today

Stay warm wherever you are and have a good one. :)

Dreaming of . . .

Socks!  Of course.  To that end, I went looking through the stash just to see how much sock yarn was actually in there.  And lo and behold, I found enough yarn for lots of sockies!  Wheeeee!

Paton's Kroy

Pictured above is a modest stash of Patons Kroy.  There's enough there for another 6 pairs of socks . . .  all those pretty colours and warm woolie goodness . . . ahhhhhh!

Bernat Sox

I've also got a bit of acrylic sock yarn (Bernat Sox) that's never been used.  I had meant to make socks for myself but went into the wool first.

Mostly Leftover Bernat Socks

There's also leftover Bernat Sox from pairs of socks I had made for my boys (only one of them likes woolen socks).  

Unknown Woolen Sock Yarn

Along with these leftovers, there are various odds and ends of solid coloured sock wool.   I think some of this came from hubby's grandmother when she moved (inherited lots of acrylic, needles and old pattern books from the 50s).

Hopefully most of this stash will becomes socks, maybe with contrasting heels and toes.   Whatever doesn't become socks can clothe my Barbie.  My doll is sadly lacking pretty outfits.  

Between work and school work, there is precious little time for much else . . . so I better get busy once I finish my exam.  

Have a good week. ;)

Back At It . . .

The knitting, that is.  Yup, back to knitting, only about 30 min a day but it is so much better than not knitting.  I missed it.  A lot!  My hands were aching--literally aching (although it could have been from the sudden appearance of snow and cold temperatures).

Socks in progress . . . 

I'm working on a pair of socks I started in the spring.  I put them down to work on other things and then school started . . . well, only other crafters can understand the familiar lament: too much to do and not enough hours (or rather, too much to do and not enough energy).

Better view of two socks

Thankfully one sock was finished with the second one already cast-on (I'm usually good that way).  And there's nothing like winter weather to spur one on to finish woolen socks.

Check out the heel flap

Have I mentioned that I love wool socks?  I truly do.  And I need more.  I have only 4 pairs and that's not nearly enough.  I've still got lots of sock yarn in my stash, although sock wool is readily available locally--thank goodness!  However, I have a couple of outstanding WIPs to finish and I really wanna make myself a new beret, matching scarf and mittens.  And more socks--of course!

Hal-Con Wrap-Up

Guess who?

I apologize for the delay in posting about Hal-Con.  I've been busy with mid-terms and school work (just one more quiz and a final exam . . . ).  I have to confess that I worked overtime so that I'd be free to enjoy our weekend up in Halifax--all play and fun!  It was a blast! :D

First off, we had fun dressing up.  The boys loved playing their characters: Link from the Legend of Zelda games and Spider-man of course.

Link sticks it to Spider-man

And I had fun drerssing up as Princess Bubblegum from my current favourite show Adventure Time.

My Bombshell turned out great: good fit, comfortable and worked well as a costume.  Everything you see is made my me: made the crown, sewed the skirt and sash, and of course knitted the top.  Very pleased with the overall result.

Hal-Con always impresses me 'cuz there are great vendors, passionate fans and awesome cosplayers.  Check out some of the ones I mananged to photograph.

Jack Sparrow

Cute couple

Cleia the fairy from Legend of Zelda

The cutest Ashoka from Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Awesome trio from 300

Fearsome group from Marvel

More superheroes

Best Kratos ever!

Best Aquawoman ever!

These are only a sample of the wonderful cosplayers we came across over the two days. As usual, we're already making plans for next year's Hal-Con festivities. ;)

Remembering . . .

We're travelling today, so we'll be remembering in our vehicle.  Hope you find the time for two minutes of silence.

Later,

Ready

Yup, ready for Hal Con next weekend.  We've all got our costumes finished and pressed.

Finished Bombshell with finished skirt

So here is my completed pink Bombshell complete with purple trim (inspired by Princess Bubblegum age 13).  I also made the skirt--simple straight skirt with elastic waist band (it was ironed AFTER the photo was taken, but rest assured I'll have proper photos next weekend with wig, makeup and appropriate props).

Check out those shoes!

Best part of my costume: the sparkly pink shoes!  I love these!  Not only are they cute, but they are soooo comfortable too.

Shoe detail

We are all looking forward to the big get-away and sharing our cosplay with other fans.  Have a great week!

Stuff

Napping Cat

My cat decided to have a nap--on my Bombshell!  So instead of shooing her away, I let her sleep.  I like it when she sleeps on my bed next to me.  Not everyone in the household likes the cat, so I make the extra effort to give her scratches when she wants them and to let her sleep when she's napping.

Meanwhile, I'm working on essay #2 and mid-term#2 . . . 

Later,

About the Bombshell

I'm finally done with the knitting.  I've got a few ends to weave, but the sweater is done.  Sadly I haven't taken any proper photos--only in-progress shots.

Neckline In-Progress 

I really like the moss stitch details at the hem, sleeves and neckline.  I also made the sleeves a little longer and a little more narrow.

Sleeve Detail

Hem Detail

I hope it'll work as a costume top.  I mentioned already that I've started working on the skirt, but it needs some elastic at the waist and some hemming before its finished.

Folded Skirt Awaiting the Finishing

And I've given up on the yarn wig since buying a store-bought one (although it would be nice to actually finish the yarn wig).  Lack of time has been one reason for the change.  My other concern was the hot factor: it'll be less warm in a light-weight wig than a heavy yarn wig.

Hanging Wig

I'll definitely be taking proper photos when I'm dressed up at Hal-Con in a few weeks time--so excited!!  Besides all the neat stuff to see and do, there's gonna be a session on "knitting for geeks". How cool!! :D

Happy Turkey Day!

Turkey Cupcakes courtesy of foter.com

Hope you're enjoying your turkey day with family and friends.  Cheers!

Up to My Eyeballs

No, not up to my eyeballs in yarn (I wish!!).  Rather up to my eyeballs in homework: lectures to watch, chapters to read, notes to study and research . . . ugh!  Remind me not to take TWO courses at the same time.  So NOT doin' that again.

Sunflowers

Meanwhile, I can soothe my jagged nerves by looking at the garden.  Check out my sunflowers. 

Tall Sunflowers

Soooooo tall--love 'em!  The tallest one has got to be over 2 meters.  I purposely planted them close to the deck so they could be anchored to the railings.  

Black-eyed Susans

My sunflowers are surrounded by wildflowers.  Lovely blooms erupted in red, white, purple and blues.  Definitely planting these wildflowers again.  Most are now spent, but the black-eyed susans are still in bloom.  And they're lovely.

Have a good week! :)

About the Costume

I finally tried it on.  Verdict: the fit is good.  I made no real modifications and have worked the pattern as written for the large size (learned from first version that a top like this needs zero or negative ease). With the waist shaping and ribbing complete, I'm on the home-stretch, so to speak.  My focus now rests on making room for my ample hips, so yes there will be extra increases.  As well, I'm adding extra length too.  

Pink Bombshell In-Progress

I'm still debating whether to use the seed stitch hem as written.  I saw some versions on Ravelry that used alternate stitch patterns.  Maybe I need to consult my stitch dictionary . . . As for the neckline and sleeves, I am seriously contemplating ribbing to "tighten" the fit.

Back View

As for the skirt, my sister-in-law found matching fabric in a local shop.  I just need to find a place that sells paper patterns so I can sew the skirt.  Two local businesses used to sell sewing patterns; neither sells them anymore.  I may have to travel to the next town over unless someone here can direct me to a Canadian online outlet selling Simplicity or Butterick patterns. Anyone?

There's still the matter of the wig, but I know the cap fits.  It's just a matter adding the "hair". . . Less than two months left!

School's In

 Back to the books!

photo courtesy of foter.com

Besides working full-time, caring for a family and dabbling on the family hobby farm, I'm now back "at school".  Last year I tested the waters--so to speak--and stuck to one course per semester.  This year I've upped the ante.  Instead of one course, I've enrolled in TWO courses this semester (developmental psychology and intro sociology/anthropology).  My one concern: When will I knit?!

Back to Bombshell

Bombshell in Progress

So progress continues on the hot pink Bombshell.  Thus far, I've reached the ribbed waistband.  Twenty more rows and then I start increasing for the hip--not too far to go, eh?  Although I must confess that I will add length because my first version was shorter than I prefer to wear.  The sleeves require very little work too, although I may add a few extra rounds of stocking stitch (perhaps decreasing?) before adding edging.

Another View

Confession time: not really loving the yarn, although I've used it in other colours for blankets and baby clothing without complaint.  Still, I chose the yarn for price and not feel. The top is meant to be a costume.  Hope my gamble pays off . . . 

A Little Diversion . . .

Bernat Twist & Twirl

So while I had been making slow progress on my costume Bombshell, I was distracted with a couple of side projects.  It's hard to say no when someone asks for a knitted item--especially a project that's supposed to be quick and easy.

Red Heart Boutique Sashay

Like the nice frilly scarves?  Finally got 'round to using ribbon yarn (even though I swore to never use novelty yarn again).  A co-worker bragged 'bout how a non-knitting family member had made scarves using the stuff.  I don't need no stinking "easy" ribbon yarn!  I already know how to knit!

Metallic Grey

However, the challenge beckoned me . . . To wit, two yarns caught my eye: the Bernat Twist & Twirl and Red Heart Boutique Sashay.  My verdict: first watch a video demonstration--tons available on You-tube.  Then, practise.  You are still knitting, but only into the top of the ribbon loop.  As such, it takes a little while to get into the "grove"--the rhythm if you will.  Since only a section of the ribbon is used, the rest is left free to twist and twirl, thereby creating the frill portion of the scarf.

Black and White

Once you find "your grove", the project grows quickly.  And yes, one ball is sufficient for one scarf.  The recipient was super pleased with her scarves.  Nice to be appreciated. ;)