TGIF and knitting updates

Happy Friday! Though it's getting colder and snow is definitely on its way here in Cleveland, its perfect knitting weather. The second "Manly Sock" is in the final stages of ribbing and I plan to progress further with it this weekend, so I can keep on track with finishing it by the 15th or so. The "Classy and Fabulous Socks" for my sister are coming along well-I'm currently working on the heel flap of the first sock. I will once again say how much I love the pattern, Karen's Socks, by Monica Jines. I'm going to make a pair for myself after the holidays. It is the perfect sock for me, because the pattern keeps it interesting enough with the cables and the lace pattern. I've stalled a little on the knitting of the various second socks I have laying around...those will happen after I'm done with the "Manly Socks."

It may seem like I have too much on my plate knitting-wise, but with the events of the last 5 months, I'd rather be extra busy than have a lot of time to reflect, although I do that a lot when I journal. Things are getting a little easier over time, more is falling into place, and I'm getting a better picture of where I am headed next: nursing! Wishing you all a happy weekend and plenty of knitting time.

Classy and Fabulous socks begun (AKA little sister's stocking stuffer)

Feeling a wee bit bored by the "Manly Socks," I decided to get a jumpstart on Christmas gifts and begin the "Classy and Fabulous Socks" that I'm gifting to my little sister for Christmas. It's the first time I've ever cabled with a project, and its going well--I'm really into cabling it appears. It's also my first experience using Dream in Color Smooshy, and I love love love it!! I'm actually using Starry, but its the Smooshy base with a little silver woven into the yarn. The colorway is "Into the Mystic" and it's fabulous!!


The pattern is "Karen's Socks" by Monica Jines, and I bought it last year from The Loopy Ewe. It is a pattern that keeps me interested, which helps when it's time to start the second sock.


Here is a pic of my progress--it's not a great pic, it does not highlight the fab colors but I will take a better pic as I get more done.

Socks never to be forgotten

Last night I had to bid goodbye to the first pair of socks I ever made for myself, out of Fortissima Socka Disco Colori (one of my favorite yarns because it sparkles). Both socks had irreparable holes in them, due to constant washing machine and dryer exposure over the last 2 years ( I only machine washed and dried those socks BTW) and almost-constant wear.

However, the passing of these socks simply signifies the purpose of knitting socks all the time ( in my world at least) because socks have a lifespan and a meaning. They go on the feet, and are meant to be worn (out) with the passing of time. Farewell my first sockies, I will remember you always!

TGIF!

Thank goodness it's Friday! I have basically the entire weekend to finish the first of the "Manly Socks" and start on the second one before November 1st. Hopefully I will move a little bit faster through the leg patterning of the second sock, because the first sock's leg went super slow. I'm really liking the yarn, Plymouth Happy Feet sock yarn (90% wool, 10% nylon). For some reason, it feels better than some sock yarns I've used. It just feels a bit more substantial when knitted up. I'm going to get some more of this yarn when I have the chance.Today I took my son to my sister's company Halloween party. He dressed as a little ladybug (he's 3) and was super cute!

Snag in the Sock

Minor snag I just noticed while examining the pattern detailing on the leg of sock #1: there is a dropped stitch, which is just chilling in it's own place, not dropping further for the moment. Thank goodness I noticed it now, before I grafted the toe together and blocked the sock, thereby stretching it and probably causing a big hole. Any suggestions on how to fix this stitch? I'm on the end of the foot right now, close to the toe, and this stitch is seriously 80+ rows back.

Significant sock progress made this weekend!

There was significant sock progress made on the "Manly Socks" this weekend. Here is a photo of sock #1, which is probably a day away from being done.

Yesterday, I checked out a new(to me) yarn shop in Broadview Heights, Ohio, close to where I live in Cleveland. It's called Soft N' Sassy, and it has the most sock yarn I've ever seen in a Cleveland-area yarn store! ShibuiKnits, Dream in Color Smooshy, Noro, Mountain Colors, Tuscan Grove, and tons more. I picked up a couple skeins of ShibuiKnits Sock in the colorway "Wasabi."

Happy Tuesday!

Progress report!

Here is a pic of the progress I'm making with the "Manly Socks." The person I'm making them for has no idea that they are coming, so I hope they are welcomed because I have literally spent hours (that's right: hours) on just the leg of the first sock. I'm enclosing a self-addressed stamped envelope with the socks when I mail them, in case he does not want them (but who wouldn't want them?) so they can be returned to me:-).

Still, a very enjoyable knit and one that I hope will be complete in time to qualify as a completed SKA sockdown entry.

Major "Manly" Sock progress made!

Happy Thursday!
I'm proud to share that I have made major "Manly" sock progress on sock #1, for the SKA October Sockdown on Ravelry. I'm just about to the heel flap of the first sock(and when I say "just about," I really mean with 16 rows to go on the leg. But those 16 rows will fly by....right?).
It's a fun pattern, with many rows that can be memorized by reading the chart countless times. I will be casting on for the second sock immediately after finishing the first sock, to avoid the dreaded SSS. I've been a victim of SSS many times, just check out my projects page on Ravelry.
I'll post a pic of the sock tomorrow, in good light if its not raining so that the pattern is visible!
Heading off to the doctor's office with my 3 year old for a flu shot (for him). I already got mine a few weeks ago.

Just dropping by..

Just dropping by to share a new sock pattern book that I just bought. Knitted Socks East and West, by Judy Sumner, is a book with sock patterns made using Japanese stitch patterns. What a great concept! I will be casting on for some of these in the very near future, as they are just the right blend of intricacy and style to delight and give me many hours of knitting pleasure. It retails for about 22.00, obviously less on Amazon.com

Still working on my "Manly" socks--they are coming along well. This evening, I will be reading some new knitting magazines after my son falls asleep.
Have a great day!

October SKA Sockdown socks started!

Yes, I'm aware that I have not posted any progress pics of my September 2009 SKA Sockdown entry socks. That's because not much progress has been made on those particular socks. I have however begun and knitted a considerable amount on my October 2009 SKA Sockdown on Ravelry socks, titled "Manly Socks." The pattern I'm using is Johnny Socks, and I love the pattern so far! A lot of knitting through the back loop, but since that is one of my favorite knitting stitches to do, I'm in heaven. I'm using Plymouth Yarns Happy Feet in a camouflage color and although the yarn tends to hide much of the pattern detailing, I'm confident these will turn out great. These are intended to be a gift for a friend. Excuse the blurry pic--I will get a better one in a couple days.