6 posts from June 2007

Socks & Maddy

Well, it didn't take too long to finish off the 39 pattern repeats, and 16 rows of ribbing past the heel! I now have a very comfortable pair of red garter rib socks, which I will no dobut wear to death.

With the better part of one ball (the third) of the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino left, I'm pondering purchasing another two to make another pair in a different stitch pattern.

Still, for now, it's on to something else - perhaps the King Charles Brocade (which has progressed no further since the last update). I'm not so sure about that stitch pattern now, so I might unraveland start over (and work a not so pointy toe). I'm not sure, yet. So, I'll probably move on to another project (while working on the second bright Vero sock). Maybe finish my blanket, or hug-me-tight/wrap. The possibilities...

Needle Cases

I don't get my sewing machine out often, but with all my knitting (and knitting needle purchasing) lately, what better excuse than whipping myself up some new needle cases?

I'd been coveting this collection of fabric in the local fabric shop (specialising in quilting/patchworking fabric), and finally coughed up some cash for a bundle of pink and brown fat quarters with which to have my way.

Having outgrown a combined case (made from rather heavy fabric) I'd made for my double pointed needles and circular needle collection, I knew that at a minimum I needed a new case for each variety, as well as one for my rather neglected straight needles. I was very pleased to find that after creating suitable cases for each, I had enough fabric to fashion a home for all the other little oddments (scissors, tape measure, stitch holders, a few crochet hooks, etc).

Now everything has a home, and can be easily found when needed.

I'm really happy with how they all turned out - better than I'd imagined, really.

Of the items, I'm most satisfied with my circular needle case. Of the evening of work involved, I think I probably spent the most time contemplating what I actually wanted in a circular needle case. I wanted somthing I could still fold up small enough to conveniently take with me on my travels, as well as holding all of my (still growing) collection - as I have doubles of some sizes, I needed a fair amount of room.

I settled on a system of pockets, on opposing sides. I can fold the case in half horizontally, and into quarters again, to fold up nice and flat. Even my bigger needles sit flat, and I didn't have to wind them too tight that I'll be forever straightening the cables (hot water or a hair dryer does the trick if you struggle with that)!

As with the case for my double-pointed needles, I've added a strip of clear cellotape with a note of the needle size, so that I'm not forever reaching for the needle gauge, and can see quickly what's missing (ie. stuck somewhere in an unfinished project).

And well, they're cute. I'm not happy that I've put the fabric to good use, and won't do anything crazy like taking up another ridiculously expensive hobby like quilting! Given that I've still yet to sew the ribbons and snaps on these, I'd hate to imagine how slow I'd be at sewing a bedspread!

This Vero Tweed, made in Italy for Naturally isn't a light-weight knit. No, this 12 ply (90% wool, 6% acrylic, 4% viscose) blend of colours is strong and sturdy, and quick to knit - at least with 36 stitches a round!

One Foot

2 comments

The foot is nice and snug, worked with 4 mm needles, and the leg a little roomier on 4.5 mm. I did buy three balls of yarn, but after contemplating splitting the third ball so as to end up with two matching socks, I decided to just stick with one ball per sock. This has given me a relatively short sock (for someone who generally prefers longer pairs), but one still with enough length to keep my ankles warm and toasty as I pad around the house.

I'm really pleased with the yarn - with my firmer gauge on the foot it feels nice and solid, and hopefully durable. And I think the woven stitch (almost like basket weave) works well with the weight and tweediness of the yarn. One foot done!

I love red. Red shoes, red lingerie, and of course, red socks. Since I spotted the yarn a while back, I've been picturing myself is these warm socks, just the right length to wear with my boots (and satisfy my red fetish somewhat privately). Now, that (admittedly pretty tame) fantasy is nearing reality.

I started the socks on May 25, and then got sidetracked, finishing the first one Queen's birthday weekend at my parent's place, and started the second on the way home. I am getting a little bored with working the garter rib now (contributing to my relatively slow progress), but it's so simple (and effective) that I will probably do it again. Maybe Dad will get a pair of garter rib socks one of these days!

Anyway, the socks are 54 sts around, on 4 mm needles, with the last few rows worked on larger needles, and with a suspended cast-off for a sufficiently loose fit to suit my not necessarily slender calves. I've now got the method of Sensational Knitted Socks down pat, that I didn't really need a pattern, I could do it on auto-pilot!

More progress on these socks was made on Sunday afternoon at my first Knit Rangers gathering! After finishing up work sitting in the little cafe at The Packing Shed, I met with a really neat bunch of people (whom I will look forward to seeing again). It wasn't great weather, and travelling on the bus while still working is always a bit of a mission (and fun for Telecom as they charge me for my mobile broadband), but honestly, it was worth it! And perhaps next time, I'll be able to wear a completed pair of yummy red socks...

Baby Yarn

In amongst the socks I've been working on, I've also pulled out the Cleckheaton Baby Cocoon for some more booties. This time the intended recipient is a great-niece, due later in the year. I'm still going to have plenty of the 4-ply yarn to whip myself up some stripey socks once my self-imposed embargo on stripes is over!

So far I've done one purple herringbone bootie, and one pink daisy lace bootie, both from 50 Baby Booties To Knit. They're so quick (and cute)!

Soft Blue Cables

I've been very slack about updating lately (and I'm sure those that know me are not at all surprised). I've been busy with various things, including work, a recovering kitty cat, and a last minute visit to my parents.

While I was away, I wore the blue cabled socks I started a while back. They're exactly what I wanted, cuddly soft and cosy, and the mohair angora is perfectly warm.

The one drawback is that they do take a little bit of effort to dry after the obligatory handwash - the fibre being quite absorbent. Oh well, that's the price you pay!