June 19, 2007
Retro Ribs
The Retro Rib Socks are done.
I do so enjoy finishing a project. In fact, it makes me almost giddy. I know, I'm easily amused. These socks are for my brother and I really hope he likes them.
Project Details:
Yarn: Trekking XXL in Color 02. The yarn has been in my stash for over a year and I originally bought it with the thought of knitting socks for my brother. There's something satisfying in having that plan come to fruition.
Pattern: Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark from Favorite Socks - 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave
Needles: 2.5mm Addi Natura dpns - 6" of course.
Thoughts: I love everything about these socks. This is the first time I've knit with Trekking and now I understand the fuss. It's good yarn. The pattern is simple, but has just enough going on to keep it interesting. The socks knit up extremely quickly, which is always a bonus - especially considering my recent dry spell. I really hope my brother likes these socks, but I think he will. So, a definite winner all the way around.
I've started some new socks with the Piece of Beauty yarn I just got.
This is awesome yarn. I've knit about 3 inches and I love it. I'll take pictures tomorrow when the pattern has developed a little more and there's more to look at. I seem to be on a sock kick right now, but at least I'm feeling productive.
And on a completely unrelated topic - my craft room organization got a mention on Craft Critique.
Posted by Stephanie at 7:07 PM | Comments (17)June 11, 2007
Kinda Random
Today is Monday and my goal for this week is to post to my blog more than twice. I had stuff to post about last week, but the time just sorta got away from me. So today will be a somewhat random post to hit the highlights. First, and most exciting in my book, I finished the first Retro Rib Sock. I grafted the toe closed Saturday morning and immediately cast on for the second one (the only way to avoid SSS in my opinion). On a side note - I think I've finally grafted enough toes that I know how to do it without looking it up. Sheesh. That took long enough.
I love, love, love this sock. I don't know what it is about it, but I'm quite pleased with how it came out. And so far the second one hasn't been tedious (although socks for boys with big feet take a bit longer!).
I've been looking around at patterns for skirts and I really want to make a skirt and a shirt, but I won't let myself start any new patterns until I finish the pajama pants I bought fabric for. These are part of my Holiday Headstart projects and I haven't done a single thing since the first pair I made in February. There's nothing like the desire for a new project to motivate you to get off your butt and get busy. So Saturday night I cut the pieces out so I can get busy sewing this week.
Actually, last night I started on the brown flannel (second up from the bottom). Those are for Travis and not for a gift. They're just because his old lounge pants are falling apart. I have them done except for the hem, but I think they're going to need some modifications. They're sitting a little too low on the hips (and of course I have the waist band done). Any ideas on how to modify them so they aren't quite so shallow in the rise? If I can't figure it out I'll just finish them and put them in the Christmas box and make Travis a new pair, but I hate it when things don't turn out like I want them to.
And to round out the randomness that is today's post. I had a moment of weakness and ordered some yarn. This is the first yarn I've purchased since 2006 and it's sock yarn, but it's still another skein for the stash. The problem was Piece of Beauty's new sock yarn and the gorgeous colors she had. So, a skein of Ocean Minerals is on its way to me and I think it might become a pair of socks for my sister's birthday. And because I can't resist cute things, I had to pick up a set of the new Lantern Moon Sox Stix.
I'm not sure I love the points, but I know I love the ebony and I like 5 or 6 inch sock needles. So, as soon as I finish the Retro Rib socks I'll have to figure out a project for my new 2.25 mm dpns. I don't think it will be too hard.
Have a great Monday. Last Thursday we had snow (about 3 inches) and the temperature was 30 degrees (at 2:00 in the afternoon). Today is supposed to be 80. Go figure.
Posted by Stephanie at 6:28 AM | Comments (13)June 5, 2007
What Happened?
Because it's summer and because Butterfly is not very portable and because I finished my Jaywalkers, I started a new pair of socks. I've still been working on Butterfly when I'm at home, but somehow I've managed to almost complete a sock in a week (is it the yarn? the needles? the pattern? i've never knit a sock this fast in my life).
That is the Retro Rib Sock from Favorite Socks. The yarn is some blue Trekking I bought at least a year ago with the thought of knitting my brother a pair of socks. Well, the time has come. My brother has been quite amused and a little intrigued by the sock knitting I do so I thought I'd just go ahead and knit him a pair. I debated about this pattern. Was it too girly? Was it too fussy? Was it forgiving enough to stretch enough to fit him? The pattern is very simple - a 4 row repeat of knits and purls, but it's a pattern... After the leg I asked Travis what he thought and he said it was ok for a guy. Good to know. I tried it on after the heel and was surprised that it fit me as well as it did. It's a little big and the heel flap is a touch long, but I feel confident it will fit Tait. I saw him the other day (it's an interesting milestone when your baby brother turns 25) and I told him I had started his socks. He was so excited it really made me feel good. I think he will really appreciate the socks.
For the horticulturally brilliant among you, here is a photo of the mystery plant - leaves and all (they tell me you need to see the leaves to identify the plant - who knew)
And in some very exciting garden news - my first ever iris has bloomed!
