Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Sweater 'n socks

I've done a few pairs of socks in the last year or so, primarily using the lovely, free TDTU Vanilla Sock  by Rachel Roue.  I've settled on using Jawoll Color Action sock yarn by Lang Yarns as it has lovely, self patterning colours available and wears well.  Even with excellent wear characteristics, it's very nice to the touch.  This yarn also comes with a spool of reinforcing thread that you can use to fortify the heel or toe area if you're so inclined.

Guston Sweater, stock photo
In current project news, I'm working on this sweater (pattern is Guston by Ann Budd).  This is the first sweater I've knitted that's not using oversized yarn and 12mm needles.  This one uses US 7  (4.5mm) needles.  It's also the first one I've done with any patterning more complex than a simple ribbing.  So, I'll be learning plenty while working on it.  I'm getting close to finishing the stockinette section below the textured yoke area.

As for the yarn, I'm using Cascade 220 Superwash in the Lichen (867) colourway.  I like Superwash wool.  It makes me feel so much safer when it comes to laundry day.

All the socks I've made so far are washable wool.  They've been through the wash many times (on cold, gentle cycle, with a "Woolite" type soap) and hang dried to no ill effect.  I love my wool socks.  They are far more comfortable than store bought cotton socks, and keep my feet dry even when wearing rubber bottom boots, or when wearing the same shoes for 30+ hours straight.  (It was a one long train ride).

So, I sign off with dreams of sailing ships and sealing wax, knit socks and warm sweaters.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Young Knitters

Earlier this month, I was visiting with my brother's family which I don't get to do all the time as they live about one day's drive from where I live.  It was most excellent seeing them all.  While visiting, I had the pleasure of teaching my niece how to knit.  She's doing a K4P4 scarf and it's looking lovely.

This, in itself, is most excellent.  My nephew has seen that "hey, she's getting Results, this is cool!" and now wants to learn too.  So, sounds like I'm going to be getting him started in the next few days.  I'd love to get a few pattern suggestions for teaching a 9 year old boy to knit.

As for my socks, I need to put more time into them if I'm gonna get them done fast; they are coming along well.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Stripy Socks are 30% and 60% done!

It's been a busy kind of week.  This past weekend I went camping with a lovely lady, heard great tunes, met great folk, saw more dogs than I could shake a stick at, and made it through a torrential downpour mostly dry!  I camped out with a great bunch of folk at a farm and listened to some excellent music this last weekend.  I brought my sock knitting along, but as things were damp I passed on knitting.

I've been thinking about weighing the sock to see when I'd hit half of my 100g ball of yarn, but realized the needles would throw the weight off.  Instead I weighed the ball of yarn.  Now I know there's 70g left from 100g of yarn.  Twenty grams left for this sock, then it's on to the second one.  They're gonna be SO comfy!

I'm also mulling starting to knit some more winter wear ... maybe more mittens or a nice touque.  If anyone has any other nice patterns they suggest I'd love to hear 'em!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Bringing a Sock to Heel

Well, working with the TDTU Sock pattern on Ravelry.com, the heel was pretty easy.  The tough part wasn't the heel, but that the pattern doesn't make it clear if the heel is the same for the 16 and 18 stitch per needle versions.. I assumed it was... it seems to have come out well.  Now to knit an upper!

I'm also back home from vacation.  Camping, visiting friends, driving a full day and then visiting family was most excellent.  Another full day drive and I'm home safe and sound.

What project(s) are you working on this summer?  Are you getting ready for winter, or knitting something for this season?  Do tell!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

A sweater done and more Socks!

Well, finally the Sweater whose body a friend gave me now has arms.  I guess it could be said I heeded the call to bear arms rather than to bare arms.

I'm currently on vacation.  I just finished off several days camping in Vermont, and am visiting friends in New Hampshire.  Soon after, I'll be visiting family in Delaware, then it's back home to Canada.

Sock, Needs Heel
In the midst of this, I've been working away on another pair of socks.  This pair is one that is done from the toe up rather than from the leg down.  It lets you try it on as you go along for a nicer fit.  I think I'm almost ready to start the heel of the first sock.

Good food, good friends, and knitting to boot!  I surely cannot complain one bit!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Two socks done, found a new technique

The Socks Are Done!  They are the first pair I've ever made.  Once I finished the first sock I liked it so much that I rushed to get the second sock done in record time.  :)  They fit well.  They are warm and comfortable.  A hand knit sock has a definite edge over a store bought cotton one.

Some time ago, I was given a partially completed sweater by Cymru.  Now I'm putting the arms on a partially completed sweater I was given.  I made a few visible mistakes near the beginning of the sleeve and didn't realize they were quite that visible until I was a several inches in.  I don't know about you, but while I dislike ripping things back to fix an error, I positively despise trying to pick up all those stitches again.  I invariably drop a few and sometimes don't realize it until it's much too late.

This brings me to my 'new' technique.  It's called a lifeline.  Basically you work a strand of yarn through the row where you want to stop ripping, then all the stitches end up on the yarn.  Here's a video that walks you through creating a lifeline.

Now that the sweater has been disarmed, I'll start that sleeve again and (hopefully) do it correctly this time.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

1 sock done, .85 to go.


One sock is done, the next one is started.  The first sock took 70 grams of yarn (Naturally Magic Garden Buttons)

I also picked up some lighter weight sock yarn yesterday... a bit pricy, but nice.  It's Austermann Step.

I'm going to try to hurry this sock along a bit to get it done sooner as the first one is so warm and comfy.  :)

If you have a favourite sock pattern (easy ones are especially welcome!) let me know.