Update...socks done!

I have finally finished my Christmas socks. I don't know why these took me so long. They are my first finished project of 2010.

I also wanted to post a picture of the "Grand Poobah" plowing our driveway. The snow started Friday and hasn't stopped yet. I'm talking around a foot a day. Now we're using to getting a lot of snow. It's usually spread throughout the winter, but over 3 feet in 3 days is ridiculous and were supposed to get another foot overnight! AAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!

Okay, my rant is over.

About the socks.....

Pattern:-Rhodie Gus Socks by Kirsten Kapur

Yarn:-The Unique Sheep, Tinsel Toes. This was my first time using this yarn. It had a nice sheen but was a little splitty. I looked high and low for Christmas colours and this was the only yarn I could find.

Colour:-TraditionsNeedles:-Sz#1

These will probably become a Christmas gift for someone...next Christmas. (heehee)

Merry Christmas everyone and happy knitting and happy and prosperous 2010!

Mags.

Silly mouse.

My daughter had a mouse run across her room the other day and her boys loved that she screamed and jumped on a chair.

I thought I'd knit her her own friend for her desk.

This little guy is knit on Sz#1 needles with a few strands of opal yarn.

I did an I-cord for his tail and feet.

I used broom bristles for his whiskers.

Black yarn for his eyes.

He is soooo silly.

I'm sure the kids will love him.

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Wicked good slippers and a pair of socks....

I'm all caught up with my Christmas knitting...'woo hoo!

Slippers...

Pattern:-Felted Moccasins from the book 'Felted Knits' by Beverly Galeskas. This is an easy to follow and well written pattern and don't forget the slippers were felted which covers a multitude of mistakes. (heehee)

Needles:-Sz#10 circulars 29". I also used DP's Sz#10. The pattern calls for Sz#15 but I used the 10's and knit the small man's size to fit William's feet.

Yarn:-Patons Classic wool. Colour "Old Gold." Yarn was held doubled throughout.

I decided to add the leather ties to make the moccasin look really authentic.

I will use some anti-skid on the soles.

I also decided to needle-felt a deer on one vamp and a squirrel on the other. This was my first time needle-felting and it looks pretty good and was fairly easy.

I know William will be thrilled with the 'woodland' creatures on his feet!

Socks....

Pattern:- Just a little 3x1 rib and a 52st cast on.

Needles:-Sz#1 DP's

Yarn:-Zoe Sock, colour Juniper Berry. James asked for blue but this is more a greenish blue.

Awwww, he'll love them anyway.

Now I'm working on my own Christmas socks and have on order some yarn for the "Leo" socks pattern, but neither of these is a priority. I will now just relax and enjoy the season.

Happy knitting everyone.

Mags.

Christmas Stocking knit with fabric strips.

I picked up a free 'how to knit a fabric mitten' pattern from Jo~Anns the other day and thought...okay...what about a Christmas stocking. So....I bought a couple of yards of material and made myself some fabric strips.

My fabric knit stocking measures 16 1/2" in length and about 4 1/2" wide. (It really could hold quite a few goodies, if Santa would happen to stop by.)

To be quite honest I really don't know why I'm frittering away my time knitting stockings, but I may make another and give them to my 'wee' grandsons.

I have a couple of projects I must finish for Christmas plus cards to write, gifts to buy, my house to clean, cookies to bake.....choke!

Guess I'd better get busy.

Happy knitting everyone.

Mags.

Vespergyles plus...a pesky squirrel.

I know, I know I said no more tampering with patterns...but I just couldn't keep the pesky squirrels off. I mean I had ripped these babies out umpteen times....so..

Pattern:- Vespergyles by Elinor Brown. This is a very nice pattern on it's own and it's free.

Squirrel pattern:-I found this guy in the 'Mon Tricot 1030 Stitches patterns,' pages 121-122.

Yarn;-Colinette Jitterbug colourway 'Sunflower Susie' and colourway 'Ginger Cinnabar.' My first time using jitterbug and I must say it's nice yarn.

Needles:-Sz#1

I'm glad I'm done. I'm now knitting wee Jamsey's socks. His only request was for blue yarn...I know he loves 'Pokemon' but I'm not going down that road again. He's getting just plain blue socks.

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Grubby mitts..

Between fighting with leaves and these mittens I really don't have very much to show.

These mittens are for my friend Elaine. She's been having the devil of a time with pesky 'squirrels' eating her bird seed so....I thought I'd incorporate the 'Sweedish squirrel pattern' on to the 'vespergayle mitten pattern.'

Well it worked okay...but...I just wasn't happy with the result...I just thought there was too much going on. (Although my daughter and eldest grandson loved the squirrels running around the top of the mitten and said maybe I could put squirrels on their stuff! No fear!! [heehee])

Anyhow, I put the mittens on the back burner for awhile and just picked them up and started knitting them again yesterday. I mean I had ripped them out and revised them so many times they were starting to get grubby and I was actually fed up, sick and tired of them!

As you can see I ordered some Christmas yarn for socks for myself but I won't be able to start them them for awhile as I still have to do socks for James and slippers for William.

I'm really not feeling any pressure about getting all my knitting done for Christmas even though I decided to fool around with a perfectly good pattern. Why did I do that? Never ever again..um...I hope not!!!

Maybe, with all the Christmas ads already I should be feeling under pressure...bah-humbug!!!

Happy knitting.

Mags

Seduced by a pattern..

First Christmas present done and I also finished my "Manly" sock for the October SKA challenge.

These socks are for my favourite son-in-law..yeah, I can say that..I only have one!

Pattern:- Oliver Socks By Marlowe Crawford.

I really was intrigued and seduced when I read the intro to this pattern. A series of increases and decreases give the sock a unique shape and it's supposed to fit like a glove. You can see the line of increases along the bottom of the foot and the funky 'V' shape on the top.

Even tho' this was a boring plain sock the increases and decreases kept me interested.

(Thanks you Grand Poobah for modelling it for me.)

Yarn:-'Shalimar' superwash sock. I bought this yarn a couple of years ago in Maryland and always put off using it because I wasn't sure I liked the colours. Let me just say I love it, and sadly it's been discontinued.

Needles:-Sz#1

I am planning mittens for my friend Elaine for Christmas. I usually knit her socks. Just doing something different this year.

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Knitting more mittens!

I've put up two pictures of these mittens because the image on the right shows the inside, (the stranding) work, and I thought you may like to see.
I really am fascinated by mittens. I'm still working although only briefly on my Christmas socks, but I will try to finish them this week.
Yarn:-Patons Kroy 4ply. Colours:-Gentry Gray and Summer Moss.
(I used about 36grams of each 50gram skein.)
Pattern:-I used the 'Four-leaf clover' pattern graph in "The Mitten Book." by Inger Gottfridsson and Ingrid Gottfridsson.
Let me just say, it was a challenge. There are vague instructions at the beginning of the book but it worked out and I felt a great sense of satisfaction when I was done. I decided to do a gusset type thumb. I don't really like the afterthought thumb, but this is a personal preference.
Needles:-Sz#1.
Although I have a couple of things I want to do for Christmas, but nothing is pressing...so that's good.
Happy knitting everyone.
Mags
P.S. Today we had about an inch of snow on the ground when we woke up. Brrrr..it's cold too. Perhaps that was our winter...well, I can only hope.(ha ha)
M.

Fat cat Hoodie!

Okay, I know I said I wouldn't be blogging for awhile because I would be working on my 'East meets West' bag....well, things change and here are my reasons to blog......

Reason #1:-For this bag, you cast on 450sts

Reason#2:- You're using sz#1 needles

Reason#3:- You're working with fingering yarn.

Need I say more....it's tedious......I have reached the short rows, but right now I want to get some stuff finished for Christmas and a few odds and ends cleared up and the bag is so daunting I'll put it aside 'till after Christmas.
Meantime this is a baby gift for my friend's second wee grandson.

Pattern:-Easy Baby Cardigan by Diane Soucy. This little jacket is knit top-down and I knit the 18mth. size..

Modifications:- I made it totally seamless by using a provisional cast on and kitchenering these hood stitches. In my opinion a nicer finish than seaming.

I also used a make one stitch increase for the raglan sleeves, although I think the knit f/b increases work equally well. I used an attached i-cord around all the edges except the cuff edge. Looks neater and keeps the garter band from rolling. I incorporated i-cord-loop buttonholes. I used these instead of making ties for the front.

Needles:-Sz#7

Yarn:- Plymouth happy Feet DK. Colour:-Lemon/Lime. It does have a little blue throughout.

Buttons:-3. Fat cat design, bought at Jo~Annes.

I added a close-up pic of the buttons and edging, mainly because the buttons are so cute.

I love this little hoodie and I hope the new Mom does too!

I have decided to participate in the SKA October challenge. I'll be knitting men's socks. More details when I'm done. These will be a Christmas gift.

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Snowbird Mittens and mysterious yellow socks..

The mystery is solved:-

Pattern:-Fox Faces by Nancy Bush. (The Sept. mystery sock.) This is a lovely lace pattern which includes a 'Vikkel' braid, 'Dutch' heel, EOP heel flap and a pointy toe. The fit is good and since the pattern is done on the front of the leg only the ribbing is carried thru 30 rows to keep the sock neat on the back of the leg, and it works perfectly. I would recommend this pattern as a first lace project, it's easy and looks really nice.

Needles:-Sz#1 DP's.

Yarn:-Baby Ull. [Obviously yellow] this was my first time using this yarn and I loved how nice it knit up and I'll use it again.

I also must include a picture of the finished "Snowbird Mittens"..let's just say I love them. Since I'm caught up on my projects..I know I still have a baby gift to knit..I will start my bag. It looks daunting, but I'm getting anxious to start, so I probably will have nothing to blog about for a while. Read about the mittens in the previous post

Happy knitting everyone.

Mags.

"Let It".....what??

Since I had to wait for the clues for the SKA Mystery Sock I was thumbing thru my old patterns and came across this and thought I'd give it a try.

Okay so now I have one done and I'm showing it off, 'cause I'm so pleased with the results. I think the outcome is stunning. I particularly love the backside.

Pattern:-Snowbird from Vogue knitting, Fall 2008. This pattern is really only a chart, but it's easy to follow. I found the thumb a wee bit fiddly, but not too bad.

Modifications:- Added extra rows to cuff and kitchenered the top.

Yarn:-Fortissima Disco Socka, light gray with bluish green. It is full of sparkles, which you can't see on my monitor. Leftover Patons Kroy, 'Gentry Gray' from Jim's socks.

Needles:- Sz#1

I am now so smitten with mittens I had my daughter order me 'The Mitten Book." (heehee)

I also ordered a bag kit from www.KnitPicks.com the new one 'East meets West." I will start it as soon as I finish the yellow mystery socks and mittens. I'm not particularly fast at colour work, so we'll see how it goes. If you see a UFO flying by your house you'll know it's my bag...causing me all sorts of grief. (haha)

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Truly...not socks!

Yep...no socks to show. Just my colourful shawl.

It is fitting tho' that I started this shawl during 'Wimbledon' and finished during the 'U.S. Open'

I just worked on it when I had a few minutes now and then. Other times the cat loved to lie on it..maybe she just loved the woolly smell.

Pattern:-"Truly Tasha Shawl" by Nancy Bush. (A free online pattern.) I think what drew me to this pattern was the shawl collar and lovely cast off eyelet edge. I spliced the ends as recommended and it worked well.

Yarn:- Noro Kureyon #184. Lately I've been wearing a lot of colour. You see I went back to my roots and my hair is blinding white....I'm not kidding!

Needles:-Sz#5. The pattern called for sz#4.

Winter will be here soon in northwestern Pennsylvania and I know it will keep me cozy.

I hope to cast on a baby hoodie soon and I have yellow socks on the needles right now. I think I need a black or gray felted bag, something neutral to go with all my colourful knits...heehee.

Happy knitting

Mags.

Drowning.....

Lately I've been drowning in yarn and for some reason I keep buying more.

I see these projects I must do and I order a bunch of yarn. I have some DK coming for a baby hoodie, more sock yarn for an unusual pattern. What the heck.....I have enough yarn stashed to knit sox for a small country!

I buy some expensive yarn and some cheaper easy care stuff since I know I'm giving away the majority of sox I knit. I like to use easy care yarn for them..and save the good stuff. But why??? I'd better start using it all...and here goes.

These are for Kelly, whose favourite colours are the pinks, reds and purples.

Pattern:-Monkeys by CookieA., what a nice easy pattern with lovely results. (My first.)

My modifications:-A picot cuff , (another first) I used a provisional cast on, and also eye of partridge heel.

Yarn:- Socks that Rock. (yet another first) Colour:- Rhodonite. Lovely yarn.

Needles Sz#1

I hope Kelly enjoys them. She is sixteen and she loves animals. I may knit her another pair with a dog motif.

I'm still working on my Truly shawl but I am on the edging after all the miles of garter stitch...hoping to see the end of the tunnel soon!

I am also knitting the Mystery Socks by Nancy Bush in yellow. This is for the SKA group on Ravelry. The clues are far enough apart I have the cuff done on both sox and waiting for clue#2. Something new on these sox..a "Vikkel" braid...umm...interesting!

Happy knitting and happy and safe Labour Day weekend everyone.

Mags.

Plain ol' boring socks...

Ahh..finally finished a pair of socks..these are for my brother Jim who (only) wears wool socks.

As far as I know he is the only one in the family who wears handmade and will pay dearly and go to extreme lengths to get a pair! (I don't know what to ask for, for knitting these...just joking Jim.Heehee)

You see my Granny knit the boys socks every Christmas and for some reason Jim loved them. The rest could have cared less...probably preferred store bought...so these are a treat for Jim. I know I should knit for him more often but I really, really hate knitting plain old forever no pattern, no funky yarn sox for men.

However, I did see where Silfert at

http://stitchtunes.blogspot.com/ was extolling the virtues of yarn called 'Zauberball' and said most of the men she had shown the colours thought it was cool!!! So check it out for the guys (old and young) in your life.

Pattern:- I cast on 64sts and did a knit 2, purl 2 rib for about 45 rows and then umm....another 50 rows of plain knitting. To break up the monotony I knit the double stitch short row heel.

I finished the foot with 60 rows plain and started the toe....TaDa..

Needles:- Sz#2.5

Yarn:-Patons Kroy 4ply Colour:-Gentry Grey

I will get these sent off today.

I will move on to something more challenging 'tho I'm still slogging on with my 'Truly' shawl.

A little aside...A few years ago I went into a Wool Shop in N.Ireland and asked the clerk (I found out she was the owner) where they kept the sock yarn (wool) as they call it. She looked at me astonished and said,

"Why would anyone bother knitting socks when you can buy 3 pair for a pound in Crazy Prices."

I went back to visit the same store last month. Unfortunately the store was going out of business but ironically they now carry sock wool!!!!

Go figure.

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Lost

Seems like I've lost all incentive to knit....and blog.

Thankfully I haven't yet lost the will to buy sock yarn.

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Saying goodbye..

Two weeks ago I said goodbye to my Mother. Now I don't think I'd mention this on my blog but she was a fellow knitter.

I would love to say she taught me to knit..but no..I learned from a friend.

In October 2007 she bought a sweater at a 'Charity' shop. She painstakingly ripped the thing out and decided to knit a cardigan. She never used a pattern and she never ever swatched and heaven forbid, she never heard tell of blocking.

This cardigan is the last thing she ever made. Here she is knitting it and here is a pix of my daughter wearing the cardigan.

I will miss you Ma.

Mags.

All occasion cards....for knitters.

A couple of weeks ago a few folks had a secret swap at 'Socknitters.'

One of the items you could send was a homemade card. I did not participate, but I did think about what kind of card I would like to enclose to a knit friend.

Here goes.

These are so cute..click on the pix to enlarge.

Using sock yarn and Sz#00 I made a little square using a few stitches.

I slipped these on dressmaker pins..you know the ones with coloured heads (I did blunt the tips using wire cutters)..and using double sided scrapbook tape stuck the swatches to the cards. And there you have it! One card says "hello" and the other says "thank-you."

I will make more. My (kind, generous, loving) daughter helped with the cards! (Thanx Cath.)

Happy knitting.

Mags

Bears and booties!

Now I'm not much of a game player but Silfert at http://stitchtunes.blogspot.com/ included me as one of her five! She had been tagged to put up the 10th., picture in her 1st., folder!

Now I will do the same....

As you can see I live on a 'dirt road' in rural Pennsylvania. I hate living on a dirt road but I love where I live..now that's a contradiction...but the road is so dusty in summer, rutted and like a wagon track in spring and we are usually snowed in during the winter because dirt roads are not a priority! That about sums it up.

Okay, the advantages...I can cut myself off from the world. I don't have to go camping, and my world is teeming with wildlife.

The evening I took this picture I had been barbecuing and the smells outside of cooking were wonderful. I imagine the neighbour's mouth was watering! So it's no wonder the bear stopped by.

The Grand Poobah and I had eaten dinner. I decided to go out and make sure the gas to grill was off! (I'm sort of an a** about these little details!) I went out and was shocked to see a bear sauntering thru the yard! I rushed back indoors and yelled, "Honey, there's a bear in the yard!" The Grand Poobah said, "You must be mistaken...are you sure it's not a big dog? He came out and was impressed. He had never seen a bear that close before and he had grown up in the Allegheny 'National Forest,' where there are quite a few roaming the woods. I'd say the bear weighed near 200lbs.

I had the presence of mind to pick up my camera (because pix speak volumes.) It was just starting to get dark.....and I just never thought about adjusting for brightness etc.. So ta-da if you look carefully you can see that bad boy! Here is the 10th pix of my 1st folder!!! Not the greatest but..you can click on the photo for a closer look!

Happy knitting.

P.S. Speaking of knitting. I made these booties/sox? for a friend.

Yarn:- Heart&Sole colour 'Green Envy.'
Needles:-Sz#1
Pattern:-36sts.
Cuff. 3 knit followed by 3 purl rows.
Short row double stitch heel.
Hope they fit.
Love them!
Happy 4th everyone. Stay safe!

'Truly' in the Doldrums..

I am in the knitting 'doldrums'.....um...I want to knit something, but waste hours looking at patterns and decide to do nothing. Right now I'm sorta sick of everything. I hope these feelings don't last!

Finally 'tho I picked something to knit , and 'ta-da' it's the 'Truly Tasha's Shawl" by Nancy Bush. I'm using Sz#4 needles.

I had some Noro Kureyon, colour#184 in my stash. I love the way this is knitting up..all the colour changes, however I'm not crazy about the under-spun sections of yarn..but I can live with it!

I just needed something mindless and the shawl is mostly garter stitch with a lace edging that is also the bind off. So it's moving along nicely and I'm on ball #4 already!

I am watching Wimbledon this week and next. I grew up watching tennis...it was all we could get on T.V. and I've always been hooked!

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Pattern

Candles

The stitch pattern for these socks was taken from “Mon Tricot 1030 Stitches Patterns” and adapted to work circularly. (Page#79. Title:-Candle Pattern.)
Materials I used:
Yarn:- Fingering weight. I used Zoe Sock color Sapote.
Needles:- Double Pointed Sz#1 or to get gauge
Gauge:- 11rows=1inch; 8stitches=1inch.
Size:-Women’s Small/medium. Will fit US shoe size 7/7.5 or European size 38.
Abbreviations used:-
K=knit
P=purl
Ssk= slip 2 stitches separately as if to knit and then knit these 2 stitches together.
Yo=yarn over
K2tog.= knit 2 stitches together
Dec.=decrease
Sts.= stitches.







Cuff:-
Cast on 72 stitches. Place stitches on 3 needles, 24 stitches on each and join for working in the round. Work 14 rows *twisted rib* [ Knit 1stitch through the back loop (tbl), purl 1 st..]
Leg:
Start *candle pattern :- over 12sts and 20rows*.
Row#1-*k1,yo,ssk,k7,k2tog.,yo* repeat from*to*.
Round#2; and all even rounds *knit* around.
Round#3 - *k1,yo,k1,ssk,k5,k2tog.,k1,yo.* around.
Round#5 - *k1,yo,k2,ssk,k3,k2tog.,k2,yo.* around.
Round#7 - *k1,yo,k3,ssk,k1,k2tog.,k3,yo.*around.
Round#9 - *k1,yo,k4,ssk,k4,yo.* around.
Round#11- *k4, k2tog.,yo, k1,yo,ssk,k3.* around.
Round#13- *k3,k2tog.,k1,yo,k1,yo,k1,ssk,k2.* around.
Round#15 -*k2,k2tog.,k2,yo,k1,yo,k2,ssk,k1.*around.
Round#17- *k1,k2tog.,k3,yo,k1,yo,k3,ssk. *around.
Before starting round #19 move the last stitch on needle#1 onto needle#2 and the last stitch on needle #2 onto needle #3 and the last stitch on #3 onto needle #1 (This keeps the pattern in line!)
Round#19 -*slip1, k2tog., pass the slipped stitch over, k4,yo,k1,yo,k4.*around.

These 20 rows make up the pattern. Work for desired length for leg.
I knit 3 complete patterns 60 rows.

Heel Flap:
Purl back on 35 stitches for heel flap and dec. 3sts evenly spaced; *p7,p2tog.,p8,p2tog.,p7,p2tog.,p7.* You now have 32sts on heel flap.
(24 stitches remain on needle#1 and 13stitches remain on needle#2=37sts. for instep to be worked later.)
Work the 32sts on the heel flap for 28 rows.
*Row#1- Slip first stitch purl wise and knit across.
*Row#2- Slip first stitch purl wise and purl across.
Turn heel:- (Round or French heel)
Slip 1, knit17sts, ssk, k1,turn
Slip 1, purl 5sts, p2tog, p1, turn
Slip 1, knit 6sts, ssk, k1, turn
Slip 1, purl 7sts, p2tog, p1, turn
Slip 1, knit 8sts, ssk, k1, turn
Continue working one more stitch until all stitches have been worked, you should have 18sts left on your needle.
Shape Gussets:-
Knit across 9sts., start another needle knit the next 9sts, then pick up and knit 14sts along side of heel flap, plus 1 or 2 extra stitches in the gap.
Knit pattern over the 37 instep stitches as follows.
Row#1-( k1,yo,ssk,k7,k2tog.,yo)2x’s more (3 of the 12st pattern), and end with one knit stitch.
Using another needle pick up 1 or 2 stitches in the gap and then pick up 14 along side on the other side of the heel flap and then knit the last 9 stitches.
You are back at the center of the heel. This is where all rounds begin.
On needle #1- you have 9+14+2 (extra sts.)=25
On needle#2- you have 37 sts.
On needle#3- you have 2 (extra sts)+14+9=25.
Row#2=On needle#1 work to last 3sts., k2tog.,k1sts. On needle#2Knit across instep sts.
On needle#3 Knit 1st.,ssk, and knit to end.
2sts decreased.
Round#3- Needle #1Knit all sts.
Needle#2-(K1,yo,k1,ssk,k5,k2tog.,k1.yo)2 more times, end with a k1.
Needle#3 -Knit all sts.
Continue to decrease every other round until you have 18sts, on needles #1 and #3.
Follow the candle pattern across the instep as written above, on the 37 instep sts., for rows, 5-7-9-11-13-15- 17-*19*, ending with a k one stitch.
*Please note row#19 has different instructions than stated above*.
Row#19 (instructions for instep) Knit 2tog.,k4,yo,k1,yo,k4, then slip1, k2tog., pass the slipped st over, k4,yo,k1,yo,k4 then slip 1, k2tog., pass the slipped stitch over k4,yo,k1,yo,k4, end with a k2tog.. ( 37sts )
Continue in pattern as established until foot is desired length.
I knit 60 rows total.
On row #20 I decreased the extra stitch on the instep I now had 18/36/18 stitches, 72sts total.
Toe:-
Round#1
On needle #1-Knit to last 3sts (k2tog.,k1)
On needle #2-(k1,ssk) knit across to last 3sts., (k2tog.,k1)
On needle #3-(k1,ssk) knit ‘till end of round.
Round#2
Knit sts on needles #1-2-3.
Repeat these two rounds ‘till you have 20sts left. 5/10/5
Finishing:-
Knit across 5sts on needle #1. You have 10sts on needle #3 and 10sts on needle #2.
Cut yarn leaving a 12 inch tail.
Kitchener these sts. together.

Knit sock#2…

This is the first pattern I've ever written out and I hope there are no mistakes..but you never know! Please let me know!

Happy knitting....please don't claim this pattern as your own! (Thanks!)

Mags.

.

Candles

The challenge this month on Ravelry is 'DYO'....design your own sox!
Soooo.....I thought I'd give it a try and I used the"1030 Stitches Patterns" knitting dictionary. I have had this book laying around (unused) for ages!
I have one sox done:-
Yarn:-Shalimar..Zoe Sock.
Colour:- Sapote.
This is a lovely yarn. I'm surprised it's not worn thin from all the ripping out and reworking I have done on this pattern!
Needles:-Sz#1
I started using a tubular cast on and I used "Heels by the Number" by Jiminy Crickets.
I wouldn't claim to be able to design....this is just a basic sock incorporating this candle stitch from the book. I have at times felt like pulling out my hair...I'm hoping to whiz thru sox number two...well I should have worked out most of the kinks, by now...hopefully. (HaHa)
Happy knitting.
Mags.

Austrian Socks....

I love these socks...they are so stretchy, warm and comfortable. That being said, I'll probably gift them to someone because I find that I keep very few sox for myself!

These were very satisfying to knit...the pattern is stunning and I particularly love the I-cord cuff. I will say 'tho they were a lot of work!

Don't know what I'll knit next...

Happy knitting.

Mags.

May textures...

The 'socknitters' challenge for May on Rav. is cables, travelling stitches and a lot more. I choose this one because I have always loved this pattern and it has been on my (mental) to do list...forever:-

Pattern:- Austrian Socks by Candace Eisner Strick, from "Favorite Socks."(I love all her designs.)

Yarn:-Patons Kroy 4ply; colour "Whitecap."

Needles:-Sz#3 for the 9st I-cord cuff and sz#2 for the remainder of the sock!

The 9st I-cord cuff was a challenge for me....it was worked like a cord and then joined using the 'Kitchener' stitch. I'm not sure if I liked the join...maybe a 3 needle bind off would have given nicer results...may try on sox#2!!! Then you pick up 72sts around the cuff band edge...um..interesting.

This pattern is not as difficult as it looks, but does require a fair amoount of concentration.

I know I could have done a Cookie sox..and one of these days I will.

I did do the wrist bands for the grandkids and my SIL will take a pic of the boys wearing them...one of these days!! (Busy people with busy lives!) I did post a 'scary' pic on Rav., teehee!!

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Socks circa 2008 ..done 2009

This is an under appreciated pattern on Ravelry...I can't think why...it's lovely!!! Sort of incorporates everything. Besides the colour work; the "clocks" (design) on these socks are a twisted stitch motif and I did not not use a cable needle. The challenge for me was inverting the stitches on the wrong side rows of the heel flap. Yozie...I had to swatch...the prospect of ripping back twisted stitches would have had me tearing my hair out! I eventually figured it out, but I would have to say that it probably isn't a 100% accurate..but close enough!!!! I totally forgot to do a slip stitch heel..so busy concentrating on the cable twist..hee,hee!
Pattern:-Socks, circa 2008 by Cailyn Meyer.
Yarn:-Opal, colours, teal blue, light blue, mocha and red. (Not sure of the colour numbers.)
Needles:-Sz#1 HiyaHiya 9" circs and Sz#2 (KnitPicks) for the colour work.
I will gift these to our 'Gold Wing' motorcycle group. They are making a ladies basket to auction for charity.
I must really get busy now knitting the 'wee' boys their wrist bands and I have Cookie's book!
Happy knitting.
Mags

Varicoloured..done

The raglan is done, washed and blocked! Love it..'tho it does look like a throw rug!

Other than doing the sleeves in the round and going down a needle size..I really made no modifications.

I'm sure it will get tons of wear. I love the 3/4 length sleeve.

You can read all the details on a previous post.

Right now I'm knitting sox. Under appreciated patterns on Ravelry..maybe I'll have them done soon, since I'm always planning my next project!

Happy knitting.

Mags

Toe up footie sox...

Just got 'Sock Innovation' by 'cookie a' in the mail today and I can't wait to get started, it's a great book!

I decided to try doing a toe up sox...just to see if I could! I'm top down all the way...but I wondered if I were missing too many beautiful sox patterns by limiting myself????

Anyhow, I decided to try and here is the result.

I used Wendy's easy (provisional) cast on, the short row (jojo) heel, [works toe up or cuff down ]and Grumperina's cast off.

I tried other methods of casting on, binding off and short row heels....but these worked for me!

I still prefer a top down sox..but I feel I have mastered my fear of a toe up! I may not bother knitting another footie ['tho I have another on the needles.]

Yarn:-I just used leftover Lorna Laces yarn and size#1 DP"s. I didn't use a specific pattern. I would say the only problem I had was figuring out when to start the heel.

I'm going to try not to start anything from my new book 'till I get some other projects finished. I have promised to knit the grandsons 'Skull Wrist Warmers'...so they are next! (HeeHee)

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Work in progress....varicoloured raglan!

Here's what I've been working on...'tho I don't really have too much to show!

Pattern:-Raglan Rust by Julie Farmer, published in Knitter's Winter 2008.

Sz#7 circ needles (I went down one needle size)

Yarn:-Heart and sole; Razzle Dazzle and Congo, one strand of each held together.

This is my first top down. I had mulled over other top down patterns but the deciding factor here was using sox yarn. (Knit up it sorta looks like a woven kitchen throw rug!)

I love the texture of this and the colour variations. The arms are to be knit and seamed to the underarm but I think I'll try totally seamless! I have read that arms will twist without a seam and that seams add structure to a garment....

This is so easy it practically knits itself...really doable for anyone! I love it and can't wait to wear it and since I'm knitting top down it's almost worn out from me trying it on!!!!!!! I know I'm pathetic!

Happy knitting.

Mags

Circle sox....

I have just finished 2 pair of Circle sox.

The striped ones are for Marion. I met Marion at the Mall. It was "Community Days" and I was encouraging folks to purchase booklets to benefit our nonprofit group. Marion was at a nearby table and noticed my sox!!! (That's what happens when you wear Birkenstock sandals.) She asked me to knit a pair for her and she'd pay me!!!! Well for shame Marion...knitters don't put a price on their work!!! I finally got around to it and I mailed them off yesterday..anonymously...my friends think I'm a fool, but I'm hoping Marion will do a kind deed for someone to reciprocate!!!!!

Pattern:-Circle Socks by Anne Campbell. This is a nice pattern because it is very stretchy and since I'm unsure of the ankle size for either recipient, this pattern seemed ideal.

Yarn:-Patons Kroy. Colour:-Fern Rose. (I just had enough using 2 balls to finish these Sz#9 sox.

Needles:- Sz#1. HiyaHiya 9" circs. (I love these, sorta like knitting with toothpicks!)

I decided to do a short row double stitch heel for these, or the jojo heel.

The red ones and the matching key ring are for a fellow sox knitter.

Pattern:- Circle Socks by Anne Campbell.

Yarn:- Opal Neon. Colour:- 1934, The red, pink, coral family.

Needles:- Sz#1. HiyaHiya 9" circs..

I followed the pattern as written and went with the 'eye of partridge' and regular heel flap.

For the keyring I used the circle sock pattern, sz#0 needles and used Socknitters Mini-Sock by Linda Nelson as a guide.

I loved using the red yarn, well it still is February and red is for Valentine Day and also February is heart month!

I hope both pairs fit. I think I prefer having foot length from heel to end of toe rather than shoe size....but that's just me.

Happy knitting.

Mags.

"Spinach Swallowtail"

As you can see it's snowing here...so it's no wonder I've finished the swallowtail shawl. It really wasn't too hard and oddly enough I didn't mind doing 'nupps'...for those of you who don't know what a nupp is, well it's just a glorified bobble. Basically it was knit one, yarn over, knit one, yarn over, knit one, all in the same stitch on the knit side and purl these all together on the purl side...sometimes it was a little awkward to get all the stitches on the needle to purl, but my needles were not the best, so I used a sz#0 double point to help gather up the loops and stitches..it worked for me!

Pattern:- Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark from Interweave Knits Fall 2006. A lovely well written pattern with no mistakes.

Yarn:- Schaefer Anne (green). It really is the colour of spinach, and I'll wear it on St. Paddy's day. It measures preblocking 17"x32"; post blocking 21"x40"

If I had been a little smarter I would have researched on 'Ravelry' swallowtail projects and used bigger needles. I always forget I have Rav as a resource!!!

Needles:- Sz#3 to start and then I went to Sz#5..circs and straight. (The straights had sharper points, but I had way too many stitches on my needles to be comfortable using them!)

I think I'll knit another shawl but I found for me it was better to do a couple of rows in the morning when I felt most alert. I did use a couple of lifelines and stitch markers. I found the markers invaluable for keeping an accurate stitch count.

I loved using sox yarn..probably lace weight would be too fine for a first lacy project.

Silfert, I haven't forgotten about your sox!!!

Happy knitting.

Mags.

Sandy's 'flake' sox

These sox are for Sandy....I knit them because I had knit everyone in my knitting group a pair.

My final obligation...I hope she likes them, 'tho they were an easy mindless knit.

Yarn:- Patons Kroy 4ply socks.

Colour:-Flax

Colour:-Whitecap (Just used a few strands, for the snowflake.)

Needles:-Sz#1 and Sz#0 (for the foot)

Pattern:- just a basic sock with a 2x3 rib from the cuff to the ankle.

I did use the snowflake chart from the book "Socks*Socks*Socks" in the "Golf Socks" pattern by Dorothy S. Grubbs. Just for the heel flap.

I think this was the first book I bought when I started knitting sox.....and I don't think I've knit one thing from it. I do like the book, but..um....there are just so many patterns for sox I'm overwhelmed and when I see a different pattern I run with it!!!

I decided to cast on for a "Swallowtail Shawl" and I am starting the dreaded "nupps "next. This is my first shawl and I don't want to bore you with my reasons for never having knit a shawl. I will keep you updated with my progress...unless the shawl nupps vex me too much and it becomes a pair of sox! (HaHa)

Happy knitting

Mags.