2 April 2011

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week - Day 6

This is Day six challenge: 2nd April. Something to aspire to. Is there a pattern or skill that you don’t yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don’t even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make but can admire the result of those that have.

As mentioned in a previous post I want to tackle socks.  For those of you that do it, it seems an easy task.  I know lots of new knitters that can dash off a pair in double quick time.  But I seem to have mental block when it comes to socks.  Believe me I have tried.  I got good results on two needles, but who wants a seam in a pair of socks?  Whats the best way to tackle socks?  Is it cuff first, toe-up?  I have loads of sock yarns just waiting to be knitted, look how pretty some of them are!


The skill I really aspire to though is the lacy shawl.  Whilst as also previously mentioned I taught myself to simple lace knit this last year, I would never have the patience for some of the beautiful creations on Ravelry.  I am truly envious of some of the skill out there.  To be able to spend so much time and love on a project and not to put it down in a dark corner never to see the light of day is true dedication to the craft.  Maybe they can provide long stretches of daytime knitting rather than an odd couple of hours per night in front of the TV when you are tired. Who knows once I'm retired and have more time on my hands....... anything is possible.

Here is a sneak preview of tomorrows topic - looking forward to this its an easy one

Day seven: 3rd April. Your knitting and crochet time.


Write about your typical crafting time. When it is that you are likely to craft – alone or in more social environments, when watching TV or whilst taking bus journeys. What items do you like to surround yourself with whilst you twirl your hook like a majorette’s baton or work those needles like a skilled set of samurai swords. Do you always have snacks to hand, or are you a strictly ‘no crumbs near my yarn!’ kind of knitter.

8 comments:

  1. I became a sock junkie in 2010. I knit them on 9" circular needles. The heel flap, heel and pick up stitches for the gusset are done on dpn's and then back on the circulars. Haven't done toe up or magic loop or two at a time.
    I suggest doing a lace scarf with two to four repeats. Try using some of your sock yarn for the scarf.
    There is a beginning lace forum on ravelry that was helpful when I made my first lace scarf.

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  2. I am a total sock junkie! Knitting in the round can seem daunting at first, but it gets really easy with practice. Those yarns of yours are just begging to be used :)
    As far as lacy shawls go, those can be a bit challenging, but only if you (like me) forget how to count. I find they require more concentration than other projects. A nice balance could be a shawl that is mostly garter or stocking stitch with a lovely deep lacey border. Best of luck with whatever you decire. You can do it!

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  3. The only reason I learned to knit was to make socks, but alas I have not ;( Eventually!

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  4. Can you hear that? That's the sock yarn whispering 'Knit me.... knit me.... try Silver's Sock class....'

    :D

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  5. Oh, you do have some lovely sock yarn. Is there a class you can take, if that would make it easier? I prefer DPNs but other knitters like magic loop -- it really depends on what you feel comfortable with.

    I'm with you on the lacy shawls.

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  6. I love to knit socks. The first time I tried I was totally lost looking at the pattern but I took it one word at a time and did what it said even if it seemed crazy and at the end I had a pretty good wearable sock. It wasn't perfect but over time I got better. I do top down with a heel flap on dpns as my go to sock but I have tried toe up and magic loop.
    http://www.socknitters.com/PATTERNS/infant.htm
    This is a baby sock pattern that won't take a long time but hits all the sock knitting points. You could try it with scrap yarn or even worsted weight just to give it a go.
    Good Luck!!

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  7. Your sock yarn look awesome, all those wonderful colors.

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  8. From Facebook
    Kathleen Porcaro Burke trying the toe up socks. wow I can't even understand how to start them and it says the pattern is easy!
    22 hours ago ·

    Anita Porcaro Remember I still have a turkey in the freezer
    22 hours ago ·

    Kathleen Porcaro Burke how did you get from knitting to turkey mom? you are too funny!
    22 hours ago ·

    Anita Porcaro that's how my mind works
    22 hours ago ·

    Sue Speechley I love the way your mind works Anita - does the turkey need socks?
    6 minutes ago ·

    Kathleen Porcaro Burke I guess turkeys need "dressing" haha
    3 minutes ago ·

    Sue Speechley very good Kathy

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Yours in friendship, Sue x