May 23, 2006
Sockapaloooza!
Guess what was in my mailbox waiting for me when I got home last night.
My sockapaloooza socks!!
I finally have some Jaywalkers! Isn't that awesome? And best of all, they fit!
Jaime made these for me out of some gorgeous, pale pink Debbie Bliss Merino DK and they are soooo soft. Like butta, I tell ya. I put them on as soon as I unwrapped them and they are snuggly and soft and I can tell that these will be a favorite. Thanks Jaime! They're perfect. Plus, Jaime sent a lovely Lantern Moon needle case and the cutest card ever. Travis was a little concerned about the purpose of the needle case (snicker), but it just goes to show you how clueless men are about knitting necessities.
Next up, an update on Sew? I Knit. Angela, Mari, and I have decided on tops for the next project - any kind of garmet worn on the top half of your body (or anyone else's body, for that matter) qualifies for this project. Sign-ups begin tomorrow the 24th and run until next Wednesday the 31st. We're trying to get the sew-along on a 2 month rotation. So, the actual sew-along will start June 1st and run through July 15th and then sign-ups for the next project will begin July 16th with the next project starting August 1st. Make sense? So, if you're interested, get on over and sign up!
Posted by Stephanie at 9:10 AM | Comments (30)May 11, 2006
They Fit!
Lorraine got her socks! And they fit! And she likes them! Today is a pretty freakin' wonderful day. All that worry and stress (and 3 socks) and it all turned out ok. What a relief. I haven't seen my socks yet, but I'm not worried about that part. My pal's socks are ok, so I'm ok.
Still no yarn from Purly, but I wasn't really expecting it until today or tomorrow (I was, of course, hoping for yesterday, but not really expecting it). I finished Clapotis and will take her out for a photo shoot tomorrow. But for today, you get to see my newest sock.
These are the Oak Ribbed Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks and they are in yarn Dani dyed especially for me in University of Wyoming Cowboys' colors. They will be a gift for my mom. Hopefully for her birthday the end of the month. I wasn't going to start another pair of socks until I started the Unst socks from Knitting On The Road as part of the Amazing Lace, but when you don't have a list of projects and a sense of obligation, you can do any darn thing you want. Right?
ETA: If you're a reader of Knot Without My Knitting, you may have noticed Caitlyn's site is having technical issues. I was worried, so I e-mailed her. She told me some very sad news. The Department of Homeland Security has seized the server and the backup server where her blog was housed. Someone's site that was housed on the same server was doing something illegal, so they seized everything. The host doesn't expect Homeland Security to return the server any time soon - possibly even months from now. She's working with Diana to restore the site with a new host, but because everything is going to have to be recreated, it's going to take some time.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:17 AM | Comments (20)April 27, 2006
Mission Accomplished
I am most pleased to report that the Sockapaloooza Socks are hot off the needles.
And the ends are even woven in! WooHoo. Plus, they appear to fit (well, they fit me)
All that is left to do is give them a little bath tonight and lay them out to dry. Then I can get them packaged up Monday night and ready to mail off to my pal on the 2nd - right on schedule thank you very much. I always knew I worked best under pressure - I don't know why I was stressed. Oh wait, I remember. All that other stuff I was going to do this week - the bag, the packing - that kind of stuff, didn't get done. Just the socks. But, I might still be able to finish the bag tonight. And I maybe ought to do some laundry so I have some clean undies to take on my trip. And maybe pack some clothes. Ya know, the little things.
Project Details:
Pattern: Pomatomus
Yarn: Sundara Yarn Multicolored Sock Yarn in Emergency Sock Pal
Needles: 2.5mm Addi Natura 6" dpns
Modifications/Thoughts: I didn't modify the pattern at all, except I adjusted the needle size to get the appropriate gauge. I really enjoyed knitting the pattern and I think it works well with the multicolored yarn. I found knitting socks for someone else to be kind of stressful. I'm worried about whether they'll fit, but it's really too late to do anything about it now. Our feet measurements are close, so I hope that since they fit me, they'll fit my pal.
Posted by Stephanie at 1:39 PM | Comments (38)April 26, 2006
Delusional
All day yesterday I was feeling pretty good about getting my sock pal socks done before I leave on Friday. I only had one pattern repeat left before the toe and then I'd be done in no time. Well, clearly I am not the sharpest tool in the shed. Last night while waching some quality television* I managed to complete that one remaining repeat. And here's what the sock looks like.
You see any problems here? Like maybe that if I do the toe at this point the sock won't fit anyone who has a foot larger than a size 4? Yeah, I see that same thing. Maybe my memory isn't so good. I don't believe 2 repeats was what the first sock consisted of, must have been three. When I compared this sock to the first sock, I was proven right (er, wrong...whatever). Another pattern repeat is required before toe decreases can begin. The silver lining in this debacle is that I managed to do one repeat yesterday, so the same should be true for today. I think. Theoretically, that means I should be able to do the toe tomorrow. Tomorrow is Thursday. If I get the toe done tomorrow, I can weave in the ends and give them a bath tomorrow night after karate. Then they can be drying over the weekend and ready to be mailed on Tuesday. Nothing like cutting it really close. Yipes.
*In television news, my new favorite show (considering Alias is sadly coming to an end) is The Unit. If you haven't watched this show, you really should.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:03 AM | Comments (14)April 18, 2006
Plugging Along
I briefly considered titling this post P-ing Along, but was concerned about the message that would send. But, the fact of the matter is, I'm plugging along on my second Pomatomus. I'm about half way through the leg (1 1/2 repeats of the required 3) and I still like the pattern. It's a fun knit that has just enough going on to keep me interested, but not so much that I can't do anything else while I knit. It's a nice combination.
Although last night I was a little distracted. When I got home from work I had a package from Amazon waiting for me. And inside was every knitter's dream - two knitting books! Mason-Dixon Knitting and Knitting Rules. Heaven in a box (I did check my LYS for the books before I ordered them, but they didn't have either). I had hoped my copy of Wendy Knits would be included, but it wasn't. Maybe next week. So, last night I'm trying to read both books at the same time and I only had about 30 minutes before I had to go to karate. It was kind of painful. I couldn't decide which one to read first - they're both great. I don't think I can knit the p-sock and read at the same time, so I'm just going to have to knit faster so I can get it done and spend some serious time with these books.
And look what came in the mail
My Project Spectrum February/March postcard from Gracie. Isn't it the cutest thing? I just love the colors and the little sparkly words. So creative. I sent mine to her about a month ago, but haven't heard anything. I hope it made it safely (and I forgot to take a picture before I sent it off - sorry).
Posted by Stephanie at 10:07 AM | Comments (13)April 17, 2006
Productivity
After whining and crying and generally being a big fat baby about this whole Sockapaloooza thing, I am very happy to report a finished sock! Yep, you read that right. Stephanie has actually finished one sock. I guess the fourth time really was the charm.
I had plenty of yarn left over, but not so much to be wasteful. To combat Second Sock Syndrom, I immediately cast on for the second sock and am happily working my way through the leg. I sincerely hope I can make good progress this week because I need to have it finished next week! Yipes.
Every day this weekend I worked on my Weekender bag for the latest sew-along. It took me forever to cut out all the pieces. I didn't finish cutting until late Saturday.
Those are the pattern pieces, minus the bias strips for the cording. I started sewing Saturday evening and sewed most of the day yesterday, and didn't really get very far.
I am at the point where I need to do the zipper and the top pieces, but I was getting tired and frustrated, so I stopped. When it isn't fun any more, it's time to do something else. So, to take my mind off my sewing (or lack thereof), I made a pie.
Apple. My only real nod towards the holiday. Travis got home late last night from roping, so we had a simple meal of steaks and veggies and bread with pie for dessert. It was very relaxing and laid back, a nice Easter holiday.
But, now it's Monday already and we'll see how productive I can be this week.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:05 AM | Comments (25)April 14, 2006
So Close
I'm so close I can taste it.
I've started the decreases for the toe. I ripped back 6 rows last night because I decided that it was going to be too long. It would still be too long for me, but my pal's feet are just a smidge longer than mine, so I'm hoping it will work out to be the right length. And I've decided that there's very little risk in running out of yarn - I should have no trouble finishing the 20 or so rounds left.
I'm really glad Friday is finally here, I was sure it was lost somewhere over the Atlantic, but it showed up after all. Have a great weekend and I'll hopefully have some good pictures and progress to report next time we chat.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:36 AM | Comments (12)April 10, 2006
A Three Day Weekend
I love snow days. Especially when you're not expecting it. Friday was a snow day- all federal, state, and county offices were closed, as were the roads. So, I got to stay home all day and knit. And knit I did. I actually made a lot of progress on my sock pal sock.
After I turned the heel, I measured my gauge in stockinette, and it's 8 sts/inch, the same as the pattern specifies. So, I'm feeling less anxious about the whole thing now. I've still tried it on about 3 times and it continues to fit - I am cautiously optimistic at this point.
I also got a few other things done this weekend. I finished my postcard for my Project Spectrum Postcard Pal. I did this one on my own, so it isn't as nice as the one I made last month, but I hope my pal likes it.
And, I made a new lunch bag yesterday.
I found the fabric when I went to the quilt store to buy some supplies for the Weekender Bag I'm making for the latest round of the sew-along. I saw this fabric and was toast - I thought it was just so happy and springy...
Posted by Stephanie at 8:58 AM | Comments (21)April 6, 2006
I May Have Spoken Too Soon
Three might not be my lucky number. And in order to decide, I need all of your most brilliant advice. So, the Pomatomus pattern calls for Shelridge Farm Soft Touch Ultra Fingering Weight yarn and size 2.75 mm needles. I'm using Sundara Sock Yarn and I cast on with 2.75 mm needles. Did I swatch? Heck no. And now I'm worried that the sock is going to be too big. I know, from too small to too big. So, after a fairly significant bit of freaking out yesterday afternoon, I decided I'd start the second ball and use 2.5 mm needles and compare the two. Here's what I have (for reference I've used a stockinette sock knit in Lorna's Laces and a 2x2 ribbed sport weight sock):
I took the first sock off the needles and tried it on and it fits - the pattern is really stretchy, so it's really hard to know if it will stretch out to be too big (and you know I'm freaked out about this because of my last two disasterous attempts). What do you think? Should I continue with the 2.75 mm or the 2.5 mm needles?
HELP. Please.
Posted by Stephanie at 11:00 AM | Comments (21)April 5, 2006
Third Time's A Charm
Right? I mean, I know that's the saying, but do you think it's true? I sure hope so because we're getting down to the wire on this whole Sockapaloooza thing. Ya know? It's April 5th and I have until May 1st to get these suckers finished. Some might say that I'm a procrastinator, but really, waiting until the last minute makes me nervous. So, you know the 2nd sock version didn't work - it was too tight, just like the first. So, I took a few days away and ordered different yarn. Clearly the Lorna's Laces just wasn't working for me. And the new yarn? Oh my god. I love it.
Look at those colors. Aren't they so very pretty? It's Sundara Yarn in a color she doesn't have available - it's actually called Emergency Sock Pal. So, being an emergency and this being the third attempt at a decent fitting sock, I had to cast on immediately. Obviously.
The pattern is the ever-popular Pomatomus - much stretchier and more forgiving than the lovely Child's First Sock, but similar all the same. As for the yarn, it's just great. Very soft and very sproingy (yep, that's a technical term), and it knits up very nicely. At this point, I am hopefully optimistic. But, we shall have to see what kinks time and more knitting throw into the mix.
And finally, the long over due car photo. I was hoping to get a picture when it was nice and clean, but when you live on 2 miles of dirt road, it just really isn't feasible. So, here's a look at my slightly dirty new car.
March 10, 2006
Sockapaloooza Take 2
Thank you all so much for your insight and suggestions. After much debate, I've decided to use the Lorna's Laces in a different pattern.
The Chalet Sock was frogged (sniffle, sniffle) and the yarn was rewound (by hand on the way home from work last night) and has made a reappearance as the Child's First Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks (and here's another look).
And here's the most interesting thing of all in this little project - I'm now getting gauge on my size 0 addi turbo dpns, but the required gauge is the same gauge I was actually getting on the Chalet Socks using the 2 addi turbo circulars (16 sts and 23 rows to 2 inches - and let me just say that for me to get row gauge is unheard of). The only thing I can figure is that I knit looser on the dpns even though the needle material is exactly the same thing. Any other explanations out there?
Despite the frogging and starting over, I managed to knit the ribbing and the first pattern repeat last night. Isn't it pretty?
This pattern is considerably less complicated than the Chalet Socks, but still an enjoyable knit. And don't worry, the Chalet Socks are not gone forever. I will knit them for myself using a different yarn - soon.
Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:58 AM | Comments (21)March 9, 2006
Paying the Piper
When you know your gauge is off and you knit anyway, eventually you have to pay the piper. Today is that day for me. The lovely Chalet Socks have to be frogged. Sad, I know, but I knew this could happen. I have been trying them on as I go, but just in the last inch or two have I noticed a problem.
As the leg has gotten longer it has become very difficult to get the leg of the sock over my heel - and people, I have skinny feet and ankles. My sock pal's feet measure the same as mine, but I don't have an ankle measurement. I really can't risk it. It'd be absolutely awful if she couldn't get the sock on! Doncha think?
Once I get it over my heel, it fits nicely.
But that just isn't good enough. So, the sock has to be frogged. Now it's just a matter of where I go from here. These socks are knit with Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock on size 1 addi turbos (2.5mm). The yarn is a finer sock yarn, so I'm doubtful it will knit up nicely on a size 2 (although if my gauge is tight, whiich it is, this should work). So, what do you all think I should do? Try knitting the sock again on a size 2, find a different yarn, or find a different pattern for this yarn?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:29 AM | Comments (21)March 3, 2006
Travelling Along
I've decided that travelling stitches are not extremely difficult, but holy crap, the charts...that's another story. The Chalet Sock is made up of a series of travelling stitches that create lovely designs. Basically you just cross your knit stitch over an adjacent purl stitch either to the left or right to create a series of lovely designs. However, figuring out how to read the charts took a bit of work and caused some headaches. Involved in figuring out the wheres and whys was a somewhat pleading e-mail to Theresa, as an experience Chalet Sock knitter, for a bit of assistance. She was quite helpful and said something that really clicked in my little brain - you look at the graph and then look at your knitting and decide which way the stitches need to be twisted. What? You have to look at your knitting? When did this happen? And more importantly, how the heck did I get myself involved in a pattern that required that much effort? So, still quite unsure and more than a little skeptical that I could actually do what was required of me to pull this off, I started the leg pattern and you know what? It was one of those light bulb moments. Seriously. I'm pretty sure that if anyone had been in my office after that first round of leg pattern, you would have seen a little light bulb over my head. The whole travelling stitch thing, while not simple, isn't really complicated. I still need the chart because I haven't made it through an entire pattern repeat yet, but when I look at the completed row and see where the chart says the stitch needs to go, I just make it go there. I don't even need the little key they provide in the book.
And the best part is that it's kinda fun. There's a pattern that develops as you knit and it's textured and interesting. Sometimes the addis get annoying when I'm knitting into the back of a crossed stitch, but I think working on the 2 circulars makes a lot more sense on this project.
So, anyway, I've finished the first set of patterns and am almost done with the second (there is one pattern on the sock that alternates with another - literally an XO alternating repeat). At this point it's kind of difficult to see the pattern, but here's what I have.
And here's the seam pattern that runs down the back of the leg.
These pictures actually represent the color pretty well. If turquoise could be neon, this would be what it'd look like. The slight variations in the dyeing add another dimension and I like working the the Lorna's Laces a lot. It's tightly spun enough to withstand all the manipulation these stitches have to go through. A looser spun yarn could potentially have some problems. So, I'll keep working on it and see how the pattern develops. It's not a quick knit, but so far has been enjoyable.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:11 AM | Comments (19)February 27, 2006
Socks
I finished the Tech Guy Socks on Friday night. Well, it was actually early Saturday morning (somewhere around 1 am) when I finally grafted the toe, but finished they are. Travis wore them on Saturday and since he left for work at about 6:30 there were no modeled pictures. But here they are fresh from their first wash.
Project Details:
Pattern: TechGuy Socks
Yarn: Tongue River Farm Sock Yarn
Needles: Addi Turbos size 3 - my first attempt at socks with the 2 circular method. I like it. I like it a lot. I don't know that I'll completely give up dpns, but I see some benefit to the whole circular needle thing.
Modifications/Thoughts: I made the leg 9 1/2 inches rather than 7 or 8 as specified in the pattern. I used a size 3, rather than a size 4 needle, and I subbed a wrapped short-row heel and toe for the yarn over short-row method.
I don't think I like this yarn. It's very hairy and is a lot different from "normal" sock yarn. I don't really know how to describe it (and I don't have a good picture, of course), but this is my best shot - the yarn is a 2-ply, but each ply is very loosly spun (almost not at all), which makes it less than ideal to work with. It's kind of scatchy - in fact, Travis said it was scratchy, which isn't good because he really does wear wool socks on a regular basis (not handknit, but thick wool socks still). And he said they stretched out over the course of the day and by the end of the day weren't staying up. Not good. And look at the sole after one wearing and washing (in the sink in cool water)
Looks felted to me, although doesn't appear to have shrunk. What do you think? So, all in all a good pattern, but next time I make Travis socks I'll use fingering weight and go for a softer yarn.
Next up: Sockapaloooza! I cast-on and will hope any gauge issues work themselves out (yes my friends, that is denial). If I have to rip it, so be it, but I might as well get started and see how things shake out.
Still waiting for needles for Butterfly and I started a little something else - more on that tomorrow.
February 21, 2006
Fun?
You'd think that after a long weekend, I'd have lots of knitting to show you. But, I don't. Mostly because I had to reknit the toe on the Tech Guy sock three more times between Friday and Saturday. The first time the short rows looked great, but it was still too long. Some might think I didn't learn my lesson from the first time, but I think Travis' foot was shrinking just to screw with me. The second time I may have over compensated just a tad because it was too short (yes, I know - clearly I have yet to master the art of the tape measure). And the third time if fit. Praise the knitting gods, do a happy dance, and have a stiff drink! So, I give you one completed Tech Guy Sock.
Despite my very strong desire to throw the ball of yarn out of a car window while cruising down the road at 65 mph, I didn't. Instead, I cast on for the second sock. I can't very well let a stupid sock get the best of me, so onward we go and I can only hope that the lessons I learned on sock #1 will stick in my little brain so sock #2 can go much smoother.
Yesterday morning, in an attempt to distract myself from Tech Guy Sock #2, I decided to wind my Lorna's Laces and swatch for the Chalet Socks. You'd think that with a ball winder and swift, this would be a quick and painless process. Clearly, I have angered the knitting gods.
I mean, they're pissed.
I lost about 3 hours of my life untangling that holey mess, but eventually I won (although I had to hide the scissors because I was tempted to just start chopping things up). I swatched.
And, I. GOT. GAUGE. 7 1/2 stitches per inch on US #1s. Woo Hoo. Sockapaloooza, here I come.
February 7, 2006
Life's Little Mysteries
AKA My Weird Personality
What makes a person ask for advice and then completely disregard the overwhelming majority? Clearly, I'm sick. The most popular choice for the Sockapaloooza socks was the Gentleman's Socks, which I agree are quite lovely. But, after much debate and changing my mind over and over again, I've decided the Chalet Socks are it (despite a bit of caution on this pattern because of the rather complicated charts). Charts? I ain't 'fraid of no stinkin' charts! Ok, maybe a little, but what's knitting without a bit of a challenge? I can always declare defeat and go with the Gentleman's Socks. I've ordered 2 options for yarn - Lorna's Laces in Island Blue and Footpath in Leaf. I probably won't decide until I knit a bit with each of them and see which one I like better in the pattern, and which one gives me the right gauge. I don't normally worry too much about gauge for socks, but I think socks that actually have to fit someone else will require a bit more care on my part. So, the gauge will be checked and yarn and needles will be tweaked until the proper gauge is achieved! So there.
I only managed two rows on Ombre last night, but I only had 30 minutes of knitting time. Karate really takes the bulk of my Monday and Thursday evenings. But, I figure 2 more rows done is two rows I don't have to knit tonight. I'll be past the half way point on the last stripe by the end of today. More happy dancing for that.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:11 AM | Comments (13)
