Darn it!

This fall's knitting theme has been finish it/fix it. Fortunately after the last crazy year I have plenty of fuel. Between leaving one job and starting a non-profit sleep, much less knitting time, has been at a premium around here.

Darned sock - the same yarn was used for the darn and the original sock. The fading was terrible.

The best part of fix it/finish it is the time from re-picking up the project to completion is so much faster. Lots of finished things flying off the needles. My main fix it inspiration has been Tom of Holland - The Visible Mending Programme: making and re-making.

Before weaving in the ends

These socks are about 5 years old. I bought the yarn while in Lynchburg doing an AP Computer Science training several years back, and we very excited about the bright colors.. The yarn has held up well, but the color was a dud after the first washing. Machine washed in cold water - so no chance heat did this. Had the store not been 3 hours away I definitely would have tried to return the yarn.

The idea of using mending as decoration and art is fascinating. I've been avoiding reinforcing these socks because the yarn had faded so badly that the original yarn didn't even look similar. The darns you see here are in the original yarn. Quite the difference. Finally last week the heel busted out, so it was either fix or toss. I still can't toss hand knitted socks.

    

I darned by marking off a large rectangle around the worn area. I went out beyond the busted yarn until I found yarn that wasn't thinning. I picked up stitches beneath this rectangle and knitted a flap long enough to cover the hole, then sewed down the edges. The first time I got fance and tried picking up the stitches from the sock along the edge of the flap and incorporate them as I knit. Big mistake - terrible puckering and a big lump under my heel.

The fixes went well, and I added some color back to the front the stitching on some hearts on the toes.

Before washing I plan on using the method talked about in the Knitmore Girls podcast for locking in color.


Full story and solution here.

It is interesting. I had this issue when I first started dyeing. I've since mastered it, and haven't had a repeat. It is sad someone selling their work has this drastic an issue. 

Envy these socks!

Finished socks!

 

This is the yarn I dyed last weekend. My goal was to dye and finish a pair of socks for spring break-laundry be damned!

 Here is the heel detail. This was my fist toe up gusset which worked petty well. The pattern on the heel is from an old knitting book from 1915. It was supposed to form a diamond pattern - so clearly I got a bit off. I still like the way it works out. It incorporates yarn overs (yarn in front if you are from 1925) and slipped stitched. I'd like to play with it again and see if I can get it right. Either way, this made a nice cushy heel flap, so it is not quite correct, but I do consider it a success, seeing as I now have new socks and all.

I also tried to do the two at a time thing for the leg part. I can see why people like it...when you are done, you are DONE, which is very appealing. In all honesty I would have made these longer if I had been using my DPN's. I can roll much faster, and the circular needle is fiddly, and I am not so much on fiddly stuff. My cheapo circs don't really help[, so I probably ought to invest in a better pair of needles and try it again.

The basic yarn is KnitPicks bare which I rather like, soft, and my other socks I have done in it have worn well. With my Dahrma Trading Company order I get some Wildfoote Luxury Sock yarn. A bit scratchy before dyeing, but afterwards it softens up. My plan is to crank out a pair in that ASAP. That way I can compare how these socks and the Wildefoote wear over the next year. If it about the same then the Knitpicks is much cheaper. They both are 75% wool 25% nylon, so the race is on.

Of course this means (in my sad little math brain) that I cannot wear these socks again until I have the second pair, so they do not get over-used before the second pair is ready.

Links to Sock Sizes

Purely Utilitarian. I am doing some sock design and needed sock sizes:

• http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/footsize.html
• http://myjewelthief.typepad.com/myjewelthief_knits/2009/11/shoe-size-charts-for-knitting-socks.html
• http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/FEATsocks101.html
• http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/footsize.html

Algebraic Anklets

OK, I realize that as a math major I have a bias to such things. This is the coolest thing ever - an algebraic formula for socks.

Expressed in terms of x. Heaven.

Algebraic Universal Sock Pattern

February Socks Done!

I have been doing the Self Imposed Sock Club on Ravelry this year. The idea is you bag up sock yarn and patterns at the beginning of the year, and each month you grab one and go. It has been great fun so far. My main problem is now I have a much longer list of have-to socks I want to make.

The yarn is Lorna's Laces in Unicorn Parade. I got it last month at the Knitting Sisters in Williamsburg. My favorite yarn store. Local (ish ). Great selection. Friendly.

Lorna's Laces Unicorn Parade

So I had planned on these becoming Jaywalkers. No offense to the pattern, but this yarn turned out to be much busier than I originally thought so they weren't a good match. When I bought it the blues and purples were more on top and the orange was not as visible, I have a backup yarn for that pattern, so I will get a pair of Jaywalkers.

So I frogged, and frogged again after trying basic toe up vanilla socks. I'm a math person and the random stripy-ness was bugging me. I know, I know, really it makes no difference. The socks are for big-sis, not me. And she's in shoes most of the time, and...anyway, it bugged me.

 So I came up with this pattern. It alternates regular stockinette with bands of slipped stitch patterns. Just enough to a) not be boring and b) break up the stripes.

Plus it required counting, so it made me happy.

Afterthought heel. Not the best picture but big-sis was getting tired of posing.

I plan on playing with the pattern again. It seems to work well with all the crazy variegated yarn I pick up but can't ever seem to find a use for.

Comfort

Afterthought Heel

This is my first stab at an afterthought heel. I forgot to bring waste yarn with me while out today so I bought some cheapo embroidery floss to use. Even the afterthought was an afterthought.

The front side is a garter stitch rib. I am working it toe up- increasing until I had 12 stitches on each needle.

Yarn: Sock Ease by Lionbrand
Needle size: 0

The best

I am finishing up some leg warmers for big-sis. Friday is wacky sock day at school, and we really do not have any wacky socks.

Here's a preview:


And the best description of kitcherner's stitich on the web? Here you go. I love the pictures with the huge needles...makes it easy to follow.

We're supposed to start getting some wintery weather the next few days, so even if it is a snow day she'll need something warm. Fingers crossed...we could use a snow day.

I plan on posting the pattern when I launch my new website in Early Feb. I decided to start collecting my sewing/knitting/crafting patterns all in one place. I am a bit nervous about it, and heve spent the last week obsessing over the HTMl and CSS stuff.

Fingers Crossed...

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday Queen Victoria! To celebrate the girls and their Muz (translation: Grandmother) are having tea this afternoon.

We are back from San Diego and are visiting here in Willy until the weekend. San Diego was grand, and I got in lots of PTK (Potential Knitting Time). We were out for my baby brother’s wedding, so sorry folks, some non-knitting photos follow. His wife is originally from Kobe Japan, and her family made their first trip to the US for the event. They are moving to Tokyo next month, so we are all trying to learn Japanese so we can visit. I took Japanese in college, but I need serious brushing up.

I am now almost done with this Walking sock from Knitting Vintage Socks. Since we’re at my folks house there are lots of fun spots to take photos.

Here he is lounging with friends on the 200-year old bed.

Visiting with my great-great-grandfather.

And some of the other locals.

And soaking up the sun in the front garden.

On Location

Howdy from California! We are on location at the lovely Glorietta Bay Inn Here on Coronado Island in CA. My brother is getting married (tonight!). I'll have some photos later...I forgot the camera cable.

Yesterday we went to the San Diego Zoo. Very exciting. I am working on a secret pair of socks for my dad's birthday, mostly while he's sitting right there. Good thing he tunes out my knitting.

"See" you all soon!

Not Me!

What’s behind my back?? Nothing, I swear!

Oh, that? Poking out? It’s a stick, harmless little stick.

No! I am not knitting!!

Of course, I am just about to mop. Dishwasher is running…can’t you hear it? Go look…much cleaner in there.

No, I was not hiding anything, just straightening up. See, this sock just fell out of the basket.

Why is the TV hot? It’s Florida! Everything is hot!

No, I did not just spend my whole morning knitting socks and watching Magnum PI. I resent that!

The children? What chil…oh, them. I’m sure they’re here somewhere.

Where?!?! Why are they running around the backyard in their pajamas?! Well the fresh air is good for them, and it keeps them out of my yarn.

I do clean…dust bunnies? Where? Are they angora?

No, knitting is not all I think about. I think about mopping, a lot. Pondering the chores brings me a zen-like peace, really.

I’m sorry you don’t believe me. Frankly, I’m done with this conversation.

And I am NOT obsessed, this is a healthy way to relax!!

Sweaters for Snakes

So I was at the library today for children's reading time...today's theme you ask? Feet. You can fill a lot of time for the under five set when discussing feet. Two whole books about socks. Girl #2 turned around at one point and very seriously told the girl next to her “My mom makes those”. Nice to be noticed.

Anyway, we always get there early so I can peruse the knitting section. It is retirement central down here, so out libraries keep a pretty good selection of knitting books. We trek about 20 minutes to the Daytona Library, which is very nicely situated on the river on an island. Our local library is also good, but the reading time there is a bit scary. Last time we went the librarian had a five minute argument with a kid about whether an animal in a book was a bear or a dog. And she doesn’t let them touch the felt pieces. And as Girl #1 says, way too loudly, “Doesn’t she know you are supposed to turn the book AROUND and show the kids the pictures?”.

Indeed.

So today, they had “No Idle Hands : The Social History of American Knitting” by Anne MacDonald on the shelf. What a great book. I only got to skim a bit since the foot theme at reading time was pretty engrossing. The book has a history of knitting in the US from the Colonial times forward. I love things like this, don’t you?

One section the author queried folks about the oddest thing they had ever seem knit. One person said a knit uterus, for a Lamaze class. This was published in 1988, way before Knitty. My favorite was a sweater for a boa constrictor.

Which got me thinking about my latest project. The vest for Girl #2.

Knitting for the small set is a tricky business. Yes, the projects are smaller, and therefore need less yarn, and go quite a bit faster. On the down side if you do not finish the project quickly the original measurements become obsolete.

Case in point:

I mean really, it now looks like one of those long sweater/coat things that were popular a few years ago. Just what every two year old needs.

It started out OK. The measurements WOULD have circumnavigated her belly two months ago. I started in November, but them it was put aside so I could finish the Christmas knitting. Once I started it again I just measured as I went to figure out the length. Voila! A snake sweater!

She’s feeling petulant today, so no action shot. On her it is not really so bad. I still have to do the embroidery. It is so disappointing when you have a picture in your head of something, and it just ends up off. Lesson learned though, always leave lots of belly ease when knitting for the toddler in your life.

Finally

The house is empty. Except for the miniature people. They are picnicking in the backyard, so I have a nice moment of peace.

Things are moving a bit slowly here. The disease from the last few weeks has settled into my sinuses, which means I need to go to the doctor.

Which of course means I have to FIND a doctor.

Did I tell you about the one the HMO assigned me? The one with sandals and dirty toes? Not to gross you out, but I was so distracted last visit I really am not sure if anything medical happened. How can you trust a person with dirty toes with your health? I know we live near the beach now, but really.

So I am taking today off, no mopping or cleaning, just rest, knitting and bad TV. And I mean bad. Did you know they have a show called Ballroom Bootcamp? Did I mention I hate ballroom shows? Well, I was knitting and dropped the remote, so ballroom it is. What we suffer for the sake of art.

I am working on a vest/cardigan for girl#2. It is my last bit of Cotton Ease. Here’s the swatch I did in November. It is coming along. I am almost done with the shoulders. I am trying to perfect knitting in one big piece, then separating into the front and back.

And here, finally, my new socks from my sock exchange pal:

Aren’t they grand? The colors are perfect, did you see how they went with my snappy chords? And they fit great. Here’s a close up of the stitch pattern:

So Pretty. I cannot begin to tell you what a treat these are. This has been a lousy two weeks, and these socks have cheered my up so much!!

And if you need something to make you smile, here's a blog with pictures of Tasmanian penguins in sweaters.

Must knit socks

Must finish socks. Must mail socks to secret pal. Must not touch new yarn.

OK, so I have been doing good on the socks considering the fluster of the holidays. I even got a good six hours in on during the 12 hour ride up here, but today...temptation.

The Parental Units gave me an early Christmas present...a gift certificate to the Knitting Sisters here in Willy! Yeah!

So today we went over and I got to pick stuff out. I'll post photos ASAP, but the computer here (if it really can be considered a computer) lacks USB drives. I got Rowan tweed, some red and white yarn to make Girl # 2 a stocking and some other stuff, red wool with some other colors twisted in.

Can you tell I am being too lazy to go upstairs and check the labels??

In any case, Knitting Sisters has moved to a swank new location. Same shopping center, but much more space and a new room for classes. What a great store. Plus, now that we are out of Florida there's more wool available. I love the wool.

The best part is that my stepmother is going to take a knitting class this December. She is grand at all of the other needlecrafts (even made my wedding dress!!) and now she's trying knitting. The more the merrier!

(and apologies for any speling mishaps, working on substandard equipment here...and while I can do derivatives in my head I can't spell at all)

Adios from Williamsburg!

And the weiner is....

Seriously though, no one is a weiner. But we do have a winner. And I have to say, y'all are fast! Most folks got it right, I forgot to include one of the symbols on the chart. The corrected version is here (click to make it readable):

And our winner is….imaginary drum roll….Just So Carfty!!

Here’s a shot of her new Grape Ape Stitch Marker.t is being tested on my dad's vest, but it will be free in time to make the mail on Monday.

As promised, here’s some of the stuff from Sit and Knit. Amazing place. I know, badly lit shots of yarn are a bit dull, but in the pic you can see the beginnings of the grape ape socks. I turned the heel today, so I should be able to show a picture of how it looks knitted up soon. Also, have you tried Louet Sales sock yarn. Soft? Yes! Machine Washable? You bet! I love this stuff, it is knitting up wonderfully.

I'll try not to gush too much, I wouldn't want the folks at Fiber Protective Services thinking the yarn and I were inappropriately close.

Now, it’s Friday. I have had the hardest time thinking of a question for today. Really, I got to go to a real yarn store, so my fiber curiosity is fairly well satiated right now.

Still, I have only been to four real knitting stores in my time, all have their good and bad points. For instance, I know displaying yarn to the ceiling looks good, but I am only 5’ 1 ¼ ", so a bit impractical. And I can’t be the only one, I can’t imagine the Globetrotters knitting.

So what works for you? What are you looking for? Selection? Location? Helpful staff? Sale rack?

What makes a great local yarn store?

Crazy Eights!

Yes, there were neighbors driving by. Yes, I was in a skirt. Yes, I fell over.

Please be aware of how willing I am to embarrass myself to bring you a shot of these socks. They were too green to show up against the foliage, so sky shot it was.

But it was all worth it.
Here’s a close up of why I am calling them Crazy Eights. I did a simple ribbing around back, and they are pretty snappy if I do say so myself. Very comfortable, and they give full cankle coverage.

I am going to try to get an action shot in the next few days. It is Biketoberfest here in Daytona. It is a lesser event than the renowned Socktoberfest, but since I am here I thought I’d try to do a bit of spot reporting and bring the two events together.

I'll try to write up the pattern in the next few days if anyone is interested. That is assuming Wilma stays away (fingers crossed).




In other knitting news I am almost done with the preschool cardigan. I have loved this project, but am so ready to be done. It is my first bit of in-the-round and I am a bit puzzled over how to block it. I had to frog a bi today on the hood…too pointy. Should be done by tomorrow.

Socks!

Here is the beginning of my Soctoberfest socks. Obviously toe-up. I couldn't find a cable pattern I liked, so I came up with this. They are called "Crazy Eights" for now.

I am currently stalled...I am not sure how complex to make the cables around the back. I have this symmetry thing, notice the cables are mirror images of each other. I am trying to decide if I should just do the same thing around back, or something else. I'll decide when the kids go to bed. I am incapable of thinking with them in the room.

It is in Knit Picks Essential in Grass. Clearly we are in a green mood down here. Must be all this sun. I wanted to get these done before playing with the stripes on the Alpaca socks. Last week was all mom stuff. This week is dedicated to knitting, so it should all get done.

And just for the record fall is very weird in Florida. I keep finding myself turning up the AC in my car and squinting at the huge tree with red flowers on my way to pre-school in the morning just to pretend it is a real fall. My Virginia friends are REAL sorry for me, what with the lows near 70 thing.

Very strange.

Added Note:

As I was putting the girls to bed Girl #2 asked me to tell her what crochet was...her comment after I explained: "Crochet!?? One Needle?!?! What the heck are you talking about???"

Cracks me up that knitting is so much a part of her 2.5 year old life that the idea of ONE needle is completely odd.

The birthday party that took over my life last week:


Notice girl #2 on the right trying to help blow out the candles.

Munchkinland

I realized today that I have been so worried about finishing Christmas projects that I almost forgot about Halloween costumes.

This year, after much deliberation, and arguing, it was decided that the girls could BOTH be Dorothy form the Wizard of Oz. We have the gingham, they have chosen their Totos, we even have the ruby red slippers.

The problem? I have always KNIT something for Halloween. Like last year:

In case you cannot tell she is Princess Leia. I knitted the hat and then sewed on long braids to the sides for buns. Very handy since it was pretty chilly last year in Virginia. The year before she wanted to be Abraham Lincoln with a snake, and I knitted a beard out of the stuff they sell for doll’s hair at the craft store. Don’t ask about the snake, we never did figure out why she needed one.

Why bother with all of this, why not just go buy something? Well, as a child I dreaded Halloween. I always had all these great ideas, but every year, I got pretty much whatever my mother could make out of a box. We always moved in early fall, so I got to be a Christmas present, a birthday present, a TV, you get the idea. One really bad year I was a moving box…creative, no?

In her defense we had just moved form Fort Ord California to Fort Campbell KY (Dad was Airborne). We had to drive for five days cross country because we got our moving orders days before she was due to give birth to my sister. We got there and the moving van had gotten lost, so we spent several nights on cots my dad had borrowed from the barracks. Fortunately Sally was 2 weeks late and arrived Nov 6th. Really I was lucky she managed anything at all.

Elann. Besides, eventually all they will want are the generic store made costumes, so I might as well knit for them while I can.
Big-Sis in my socks knit in Patton's Grace

Mattie pretends to be a munchkin in the backyard. Everything grows bigger in Florida!

So I think this year I am going to knit blue socks. Why bother? Well, I like socks, and I really have been wanting to try the Sock It to ME Collection Esprit on