More Socks!

Knitting tools with yarn

 Yup, socks are king at my house--that is, worsted socks.  For some reason, socks grow quickly in worsted weight.  And that's part of the appeal.

Sock detail in worsted weight

I'm using Briggs and Little 'cuz everything I saw on Ravelry recommended it as very durable and washing-machine friendly.  Living in a small town, my options are limited regarding yarn availability.  However, Briggs and Little is readily available--and there's lots in my stash!

Heel detail in contrasting colour

The pattern initially was to be Heavy Socks (link to free pattern on Ravelry), but the numbers looked too big.  The 54 stitches looked more like a man's size.  So I checked out Paton's Basic Sock (worsted weight version) 'cuz I had used it before.  The 48 stitches still looked big, so  I adjusted the numbers again and reduced my cast-on to 44 stitches (I like using long-tail cast-on for socks 'cuz it makes a nice even edge at the cuff).

I always cast on on DPNs and then move my work to 2 circulars after working a few rows. My preference is working in the round on circulars ('cuz for me it reduces ladders).  Rather than using a pattern, I prefer plain ribbing 'cuz it usually provides a decent fit.  Besides, ribbing can fix a multitude of sock sins.  Hoping the two-tone blue and cream looks fun and interesting.

Knitting Along . . .

Yup, picked up those socks again.  You know the ones--which were started back in 2013!  Seriously?!  Three years?  Okay, I started them in December 2013, so technically it was 2 years for a pair of socks. Still, isn't 2 years too long?  Craziness!

Two socks, side by each

Over the summer, I had picked them up again and even finished the first sock, but gift knitting got in the way.  So after the holidays, I went gangbusters on that second sock.

First sock.  Wonky toe?

I must confess that I wasn't too happy with how the toe looked on the first one.  And honestly I can't fault the pattern 'cuz I'm not sure if I followed it or made some minor modifications (yeah, I've made bad, bad notes during the construction of this project--as in not enough notes.  Ugh!).

Two different toes for the same socks

Once I got to the heels, I followed the basics as per Vogue's Basic Ribbed socks (my go-to pattern for basic socks). Naturally the second sock looks a wee bit different than the first one.  I prefer the look of the second toe area (sock on the right if you're looking at the photo above), but I prefer the fit of the first sock's heel.

Current sock stash

Regardless of my sock woes, I have to say that overall Aquaphobia Socks is a great pattern for yarn that pools.  I think, though, that next time I attempt this pattern, I will be brave enough to attempt the cables.  And yes, there's still quite a bit of sock yarn in the stash.  This means more socks in my future. Yay! :)

A Little Progress

A little progress goes a long way towards finished items.  Yup, there be knitting at my place--and lots of it!

It started with travel knitting.  I knew I'd have no online access during my vacation, so I needed something to occupy my hands (and my brain, especially during the flight.  Have I mentioned how much I dislike flying?).  I brought along 4 projects: my current project, two long-standing projects that had fallen by the wayside, and a new project.

The growing Cashsilk Fern Scarf

The current project was the Cashsilk Fern Scarf which has grown by leaps and bounds.  It's about 38" at last measure.  I'm aiming for 50", but not sure there's enough yardage for that.  I'll need to leave enough for the border (2 rows of stockinette followed by four rows of moss stitch).  A good blocking should help with the length.  If it still runs short, I'll look for a pretty shawl pin to wear with it.

The still untouched Cranberry Neckerchief

I had brought my dandy Cranberry Neckerchief, but in the end, I didn't really touch that one (You can read more about that project from an old blog post dating back to summer 2011).  To be honest, I hadn't really left good notes about where I was in the pattern (although I could easily have frogged it and started anew since I wasn't too far in).  It definitely is something I'd like to revisit--and eventually finish.

A finished sock and the beginnings of the second

My other long-standing project was the Aquaphobia Socks: finished one sock and started the second one.  That pattern also had little in the way of any written pattern mods or notes regarding where I had left off (you can read more about my initial attempts with this project in a post from Feb 2014 and one from Dec 2013.).  If I'd had internet access, I could have more easily deduced my mods; instead I was forced to deconstruct and experiment (again!) to figure out what I'd done with the first sock.  Rest assured that everything was written down this time.  Ha ha!  After all, I may use the pattern again because it nicely controls the dreaded colour pooling that sometimes plagues variegated yarns.

The pretty coloursin my first lace shawl

And of course, there's the new project, my first lace shawl (aka the Oaklet Shawl which is a free pattern on Ravelry).  This has been great "mindless" knitting--a good take-along project when watching a movie or chatting over drinks at the cafe.  Sometimes it's just nice to do something simple that doesn't tax the ol' brain cells too much (although that'll probably change once I get to the lace border).

Now it's time to get back to the knitting.  There's lots to finish . . . 
Later, ;)

About That Sock . . .

Remember that modified Aquaphobia sock from the holidays? It's been slow going ('cuz I only work on it at naptime), but slowly the sock grows.  

Colourful Sock

It started off badly: my first attempt was a misread; the second attempt failed in the mathematics department; my third attempt was too big and loose.  Fourth one was the right one.  

Detail of Slip-Stitch Pattern

For a yarn that pools badly, this pattern is doing wonders.  Seriously!  It looks like colourful crayons stacked neatly.  Very pretty (if I do say so myself).

Close-Up

I've stuck to my usual 32-stitch flap-heel.  I think the slip-stitch heel adds strength to the heel, although I am intrigued by short-row heels (not enough to work short-rows with wrap-and-turn stitches).

Sadly I've got other projects on the brain, so my sock may take a backseat.  That's okay.  It's all good, right?

Later,

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?!

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!

Finishing . . . And other Stuff

Even though I was back to work, the past week was still good.  I finally had a chance to meet up with the gals at knit night--and that's always quite enjoyable. 

More Woolen Socks

And there was knitting, of course.  I actually finished a sock and immediately cast on for the second one--only a few more inches till I turn the heel.  Isn't the self-striping pattern cool?  I sooooo need more woolen socks 'cuz summer won't last forever (although hard to even contemplate winter at this point).

Sock Detail

By the way, I finished the modified dishcloth from PurlSoho.  Not quite sure it looks like the original Tweed Slip Stitch, but I still like the finished pattern.  I also love the thick fabric created by the slipped stitches.  I'd love to make more with different colours, but as usual, there are other projects needing my attention . . . .

Tweed Slip Stitch Dishcloth

By the way, here are my mods for the pattern.  I used Bernat Handicrafter Cotton which is worsted, so the original stitch counts had to be adjusted.  I cast on 35 stitches (33 for stitch pattern plus 1 stockingnette stitch at each end = 35 stitches total).  Then I worked a few rows of garter stitch before working pattern as follows:
Row 1: Purl
Row 2: K1, *Sl 1 (wyib), K2. Repeat from * till last stitch, K1
Row 3: P1, *Sl 1 (wyif), K2. Repeat from * till last stitch, P1
Row 4: K1, *K2, Sl 1 (wyib). Repeat from * till last stitch, K1
Row 5: P1, K1, *Sl 1 (wyif), K2. Repeat from * till last stitch, P1
Row 6: K1, K1, *Sl 1(wyib), K2.  Repeat from * till last stitch, K1
Row 7: P1, K2, *Sl 1 (wyif), K2.  Repeat from * till last stitch, P1
Work the same number of garter rows before binding off.  To finish off, I picked up stitches along the side (approximately 30 stitches) and worked same number of garter rows to create a border.

Like a Lion . . .

March came in like a lamb, promising warmer clime and less snow.  Alas, she has deceived all!  Winter still reigns here, y'all!! **grumble, grumble**

This week we had not one, but two snowstorms!  The last of which caused most of town to shut down.  Snow isn't so much the culprit as strong winds.  Even on a clear, sunny day, if the wind is blowing hard enough it'll drift the snow back onto the road or cause white-outs.  Not fun.

So with lots of time on my hands, I worked on my course (yay, finished the first complete draft of my essay).  And yes, there was knitting.

My sock is almost ready for the toe shaping.  And with the continued snowy weather, I'll have to cast-on the second sock pronto as I'll probably still wear my woolies well into May **sigh**

Sock Almost Done

As I near the end of my sock, a nagging doubt plagues my thoughts: I fear the yarn will run out before completion. Thus far, 1 ball of Patons Kroy has had enough yardage for one Acrylic-girl sized foot.

Yarn Remains: Enough?

And I also began work on the second sleeve of that lovely Avocado.  

Sleeve Detail

I kept notes on stitch counts, shaping and such (and yes, I will post that info ASAP). Not too hard to change the original pattern from bottom-up to top-down.  I certainly enjoy the top-down process more than the other way around.

Cardi in Progress

If I'm diligent enough, I can finish this cardigan before it becomes too small for my niece to wear . . . 

Some Wee Progress . . .

It goes without saying that my knitting mojo is slowly waning.  That there is any progress at all is a surprise to me.  But progress there is!

Avocado Progress

The baby garter sweater (aka Avocado) has one sleeve completed.  Yay!

Sleeve Detail

And even my lowly sock has finally got the beginnings of a heel flap (there's always a sense of accomplishment when I can get the leg portion finished.  It feels as if I'm forever knitting and knitting  . . . until suddenly I've reached the right length).

Ribbed Sock In Progress

I always like working the heel flap--so I can watch the colour changes as I work back and forth.  And of course there's the heel turning which still inspires wonderment: it literally looks like magic!

Now back to my baking and cooking.  Yes, I'm actually making supper which is a wonderment itself (as I so rarely cook--mainly because I don't like to cook and there are other better cooks in the household who actually enjoy cooking).

Have a great week! 

Snow Day

This has been a winter of umpteenth snow days.  Being in the country, my trek into town takes me past hay fields and farms, across which the wind howls and blows much snow.  Long story short: the driving can be quite dicey at times with snow covered roads and white-out conditions.  Today was such a day.

And I can proudly say I used my time wisely and spent most of the day knitting.  I worked on a pair of socks I'd started in December.  I like stripey socks and this yarn (Patons Kroy Jacquards) is working up nicely.  I so love my wool socks.  Woolies make me very, very happy. :)

Stripey Socks

I even worked on the lovely Avocado. The body is complete.  And I've even managed to work on one of the sleeves--in the round of course.  I worked out when to start the decreases.  The rest should be easy--I hope.

Avocado in Progress

Here's hoping I can get out to work tomorrow.  This girl needs to bring home the bacon (so she can buy some yarn--hee, hee!).

Have a good week! :)

Not Happy . . .

Sure the red socks are finished.  And they look great. 

Finished Red Ribbed Socks

And the fit is awesome.  Just love the pattern: its Ladies Ribbed Socks from Vintage Vogue (check out the Ravelry link if you need more info).

Great Fit!

But my needle broke.  Sure the thing didn't break in the middle of the actual needle.  And I didn't lose any of the work on my new sock in-progress.  But still . . .  :( 

Needle separated from cable

I bought these bamboo circulars in the summer.  At a cost of $18, I'd figure I'd get a few years use out of them.  Isn't Clover's Takumi a reputable brand?   Still can't believe the needle portion separated from the cable with a new sock on the needle!!  My Boye circulars never did that.

So not happy!  I can't just drive three hours into the city to replace it or even buy a new one!  I'm hoping Super Glue will do the trick.  

New Socks

Until then, I'm using my metal dpns.  Maybe I need to get my hands on some wooden dpns . . . I'll add it to my birthday wish list as its probably not possible to get them for Christmas.

Almost There . . .

This week saw a bit o' knitting.  It's amazing how much time one has without homework, research, essay writing or studying to do.  With school done for now, I've got "free time" (it's all relative, of course, since I'm still working full-time and caring for my family).

Socks in Progress

These are my red ribbed socks that were started a while back (at end of May I think?  Thanks goodness for Ravelry notes, LOL).  I am so lovin' woolen socks right now, that I'm making good progress.  Just a little left to go . . . almost at the toes!

Almost at Toes

As soon as these are finished, there's some yarn ready to be cast-on.  I'm thinkin' maybe some blue would be nice.  ;)

Get Crafting

So says the cat.  

Patches the Cat

I'm doing the best I can, but my time has been occupied elsewhere.  And it'll only get worse as I start my course next week . . . 


Meanwhile, I did go to knit night where I worked on my sock (and we lamented the decreasing yardage in Patons Kroy).  Slowly but surely I am working my way to the toes (and I better have enough yarn or I'll be very, very cross).

Sock in Progress

And although I have assembled all the pieces of Toadette, there are a few pieces that need making before I can finish her (although that hasn't stopped me from using her on my boys' blog Mushrooms and Octopi.  We have fun working on it together).

Toadette#2 in Progress

On top of all that, I started another project--and not 'cuz I wanted to.  This was a project of necessity.  I need new slippers.  All my other lovely slippers have holes in the soles.  No one else has holey slippers.  Just me.  Maybe I'm too rough on my feet . . . 

Slippers in Progress

I'm none too pleased with my seaming technique, but I don't think these slippers will last long.  Maybe I need to sew on  some sort of leather or leather-like sole to the bottom . . . I'm thinking about it.

One Finished Slipper

Guess I'd better listen to cat and get back to crafting.  Have a good week.