Trellis socks

 

This weekend I finally got round to finishing my Lazy Sunday socks. The pattern was by Sarah Dennis which was published in a copy of the Simply knitting magazine a few years ago. 

The yarn was from Cruellas in Nelson, New Zealand - Spritzer hand dyed 4ply . A souvenir from our trip early last year. It seems like a lifetime ago.

I have now cast on another honeycomb cushion, using aran weight yarn in beige as previous cushions but with a multi coloured yarn for the accent colour. Photos when I have a bit more knit.

enough already

I have a sore throat. Its just not fair.  I just get rid of one bug then I come down with something else.  I don't actually feel ill, just off colour, bit light headed and as I say a sore, tight throat.  Oh well nothing for it other than to snuggle up with my knitting.  Not that I need an excuse, as its grey, cold and miserable outside.

On the subject of knitting I have three projects still on the go.  After finishing off my ten stitch, I felt the urge to have another "pick up, put down" project, so I am trying the Ten Stitch Twist by Frankie Brown.  I plan to turn this into a bath mat.  Knitted in cotton, its actually easier to get started than the blanket and I'm really enjoying knitting it.

My In the Mood cardigan was getting a bit boring, so I decided to start one of the fronts.  I'm really pleased with the 16 row pattern, not too complicated, but not one for knitting when others are around or when you have one eye on the TV

6" still to go on the back

And the socks, well they have taken a back seat. Now I know that I can knit on 4 needles I don't have the same desire to rush to get it finished.  Think maybe life is too short for sock knitting. 

So many things to knit, so little time - I need to retire.  Right kettle on for a nice cup of tea

Before the year is done

I have finally conquered a knitting fear.........  Four double ended pins. I have knitted a pair of toddler socks. 

I am so pleased with myself.  I used 4mm needles and double knit yarn and a very basic pattern. They may not be perfect - how do you avoid the small hole at the start of turning the heel? Will the slight ladder effect where you change pins disappear when washed? I tried grafting the toe on one sock, sure its not right, so did a 3 needle cast off on second sock and much happier with that.  Is it ok to do this?

I can't believe I have put off doing this for so long.  The amount of patterns I have discarded when I see the words double ended pins.  I now know there is nothing to fear.  I went through my needles last night and discovered so many sets (I was recently given loads) apart from the one size I need, 2.25mm for a pair of mens sized socks I want to try, so I will have to wait now till Wednesday when I can get to the shops.

I predict 2012 maybe the Year of the Socks

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.