Turns out that time flies whether you're having fun or not! The absence of posts here does reflect quite well the absence of any serious knitting or other interesting life highlights in the last few weeks. There has been more swatching, a decision to unravel and restart (with a completely different pattern and yarn) my Ravelry Scarf Exchange scarf, and a half-hearted attempt to make (garter rib) socks to match Dad's vest for Father's Day.

I am pleased to report, however, that not all of my labours (limited though they may have been) were fruitless. A couple of meetings ago, a fellow Knit Ranger, Kristie mentioned that a friend had delivered a tiny baby boy before he was expected, and that any little knitted things would be appreciated. Having a fair amount of baby wool left after knitting my nieces' kiddies, I cast on a pair of little booties.

That took very little time and effort (they definitely qualify as easy), so I then started on a bootie and mitten pattern from Sheperd Yarns. A week later, I'd finished one bootie, and barely cast on for the second. So, this morning I woke up determined to get them finished. And I did!

In the after-glow of satisfaction that follows from completing something (particularly something that has been languishing), I picked up the will-it-be-a-jersey-or-will-it-be-a-vest project, and yep, now that's completed, too. And it's a vest.

So, that's three completed projects for my Ravelry projects page. Now I still have my blanket, some socks "in progress", so I'm not quite on top of things, but I'm getting there! I've pruned my queue a little, and reordered, and I'm feeling "on top" of things, rather than feeling like I'm playing catch up.

Now, back to Dad's socks! And the bright tweed socks, and the brown ribbed socks for me. Oh, and that blanket...

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Rolling On

The last time I posted an update on my very red project, I was still undecided as to what I was actually knitting, a vest or a jersey. Since that time I've settled on a jersey, and was all set (after much ado) to work raglan sleeves and a roll neck to go with the yarn-over cables.

Necking

Now, those cables are gone. I didn't work a single row more than is shown in the first and last update photo before I unravelled back to the 3x2 ribbing and settled into super-easy stocking stitch (a bunch of knit rows, as I worked in the round). As I reached the armholes, and prepared to switch to straight needles, the raglan shaping disappeared as well. I've be lying if I said I hadn't contemplated knitting a v-neck vest after all. The only thing that has stayed constant is the redness (on which everyone who sees it passes comment).

Now I'm working on the rolled neck. I've stuck with the 3 by 2 ribbing (originally chosen to work with the cable pattern), and am having to concentrate as the neck grows; because it is inside out (so that it is correct once rolled - no piking out with a turtle neck) I'm doing knit two, purl three, something my mind and muscle memory seem to find a bit of a challenge.

Only twelve or so more centimetres of ribbing before I start on the sleeves. I haven't decided yet if I'll knit the sleeves in the round too (from the cuff up), or on straight needles. Plenty of time for that, I figure, knowing how long it took me to get it to this stage!

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Yarn Over Cable

When I purchased the wool for my Dad's vest, I also grabbed some cheap Cleckheaton Country 12 Ply in a bright red for me. At the time I didn't know exactly what I'd knit for me, other than something not socks (I purchased enough for a classic sweater).

I've started knitting with it now, and still don't really know how it will end up, a vest or a jersey. I should have decided by the time I've worked my way to the beginning of the arm shaping, at which point I'll need to start thinking about shaping for a scooped or v-neck if I'm going to make a vest. If not a vest, I'm leaning towards a roll-neck jersey (not too fond of round necks).

I do, at least, have the design sorted, a simple yarn over cable (Sensational Knitted Socks is great for patterns to be worked in the round (as I will be to the arm shaping), and this one shouldn't be too difficult to switch to straight knitting (as long as I switch at the right point in the 4 pattern rows). As with Dad's vest, I'm working the back in stocking stitch, because I can't see back there anyway.

So, I have another project in progress, one which I am quite excited about, despite the somewhat unknown outcome. Actually, my excitement is due to the indecision - I'm making it up as I go along!

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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...

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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...

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