Distractions . . . .

In spite of my best efforts, there have been many distractions whilst I work on my rainbow granny bedspread: gardening, weekend outings, family commitments, housework and school work (mostly essays to challenge courses in a diploma program).  And truthfully, it makes me sad.  How can I be a crafter if I'm NOT crafting?

Then inspiration and motivation hit me in an unexpected way.  I had been itching to knit for a while.  While leafing through some patterns, I found a small project.  It would be quick and I'd be using up stash. 

Crocheting a contrasting hem to the dress

The pattern is from stickatillbarbie.se, by far THE BEST website for free Barbie clothes and accessories.  Check out the Ravlery pattern links too.  There is so much selection.

And I wasn't joking when I said it would be a quick knit.  I cast on Monday and wove in the ends this afternoon while sitting at the beach.  How perfect is that?

Finished outfit

And now my lovely Barbie doll is perfectly dressed for the summer weather in her new sundress.  Isn't she lovely?  

I've got a road trip coming up.  And that means some in-car crafting.  I may have to start another outfit for the Barbie.

Later,

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!

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. ;)

A Pair of . . .

Socks!  Finally finished--and I've only been working on them since November!  Okay, I haven't been working on them exclusively.  Still, I figured I should have finished them sooner.  No matter now.  Done and done.

Finished Socks

I really love, love the ribbing.  I think it helps with the fit (as in minimizing the slouch factor).  Love the fun, bright colours and amazed that they look almost identical.

Lovin' the Fit

For now, I'm putting my dpn's aside and forgetting about socks (even though more sock yarn arrived a few days ago.  Okay to stash sock yarn for when the urge hits, right?).

Catch ya later. :)