Lightening fast socks

After finishing the Millicents, I wanted a quick and simple project. Thing 1 outgrew her Christmas socks nearly as soon as I got them off the needles (note to self: stop feeding that kid...) so I had promised her I'd knit another pair. Eva kindly included some sock yarn for the girls when she sent my swap package, so I decided to use it. It's very girl-friendly, as you can see.

Size 13 kidlet socks, plain stockinette with flap heel 48 stitches around

2.25mm (US1) OR 2.0mm (US0) dpns (um, is it bad I don't know?) Opal Petticoat, color 1290

These were just the project I needed this week - easily carried, fast to knit, and full of spring colors. Now let's hope she can wear them for more than two months! Thank you for all the complements on Millicent; I'm very proud of them, though I feel most of the credit goes to the awesome designer. Thanks also for the suggestions on keeping them up. Rebecca, I'm surprised at the level of masochism you are capable of - I could never cut these socks and reknit them! Some things are too much about the journey for me, I suppose... I'm actually wavering now on my plans to dye them, but really like Farm Witch's idea of decorating my sock-ties with shells or beads (cause I'm a little like that too!)

The Millicents unveiled

Here are the finished photos of the Millicent knee socks, as promised. Lacking a photographer, I took modeled posed myself (much less contortionist-inspired, but outdoors nonetheless.)

"Millicent Socks," pattern by Cookie A. I used 206g (7.25 oz, about 795 yards) of Louet Gems Pearl, purchased undyed from Lanas de Libelula Knit on 2.25 mm (US1) needles

I do like this pattern and the socks very much; however there are two problems, both of which I consider "user error," rather than an issue with the pattern.

1. My purl stitches tend to be loose, and I didn't take this fact fully into account. After washing, my ribbing stretched, and now the socks fall down. They don't fall immediately, and really only do so when I hop or run up and down stairs. (Yes, I really did put these things through the test!) This is probably also simply the result of having nearly 4 ounces of yarn in one sock, with the majority of it at the top (perhaps if I stop shaving my legs for the velcro effect...) If I were to do them over, I would probably knit the ribbing on 2.0mm (US0), but only because of my own tension. For now, I may stitch down the 1X1 rib at the bottom of the cuff, and insert some elastic string through the folded-over top.

2. I bought the yarn undyed and "in bulk" for financial purposes. While I like the color of undyed yarn, in these knee-socks it lends a certain "Alice in Wonderland" look, which is not assuaged by my primary choice of footwear (Maryjane Dansko clogs.) So I will likely dye the completed socks using acid dyes; not sure what color yet.

On the up-side, I really enjoyed the pattern and knitting the socks, and they are very warm and cozy, while still looking rather sophistocated. I shall be starting my next Cookie knee socks soon!

Edited to add: My very intelligent husband just came home and, upon viewing the falling-down-ness of the Millicents, suggested a "drawstring tassel thingie" to hold them up, in the style of some Germanic stockings I think I've seen. (Apologies if I have the geographic reference wrong.) That would save me a lot of trouble stitching down the cuff, and make the fit adjustable - the man is brilliant, I tell you!

Fin.

The sunshine is being very compliant today.

Until tomorrow...

Almost there...

I'm so close to finishing Millicent #2... I feel fairly confident I can promise finished shots for Wednesday. (I expect tomorrow they will be blocking...)

Just so you don't think I've forgotten my poor wheel, I must show you that I've been turning this

merino roving from Spunky Eclectic into this:

(Sorry for the fuzzy photos; I'm too lazy to take them over today...)

I also received a new toy in the mail.

A Greensleeves Loki spindle, which I acquired from Kendig Cottage's eBay site. It's a featherweight ( 23g/0.8 oz.) in Masur Birch. I learned to spin using a drop spindle, then got my wheel, which fulfilled my need for speed. Now I'm interested in honing my spindling skills, particularly in regards to true laceweight yarns.

All for now.

Millicent: On

My progress on the second Millicent is being mildly impeded by Spring Break (What do you mean, kids need food? Amusing things to do? Can't they see I'm knitting?) I was trying to wait until both socks were completed to post more photos, but since everyone wants to see it modeled, here are some to tide you over. (Please note the last two pictures are competition level Ultimate Contortionist poses, and are evidence of my pure devotion to my blog-readers...) I haven't blocked it yet, so some of the stitches are a bit wonky, but it definitely stays up. I have (as you might notice) rather curvaceous lower legs, the result of the many soccer-playing years in my youth. Cookie wrote the pattern to work with various combinations of sizing over three measured points (calf, ankle, and instep.) I added in some negative ease and used the 14 inch calf size with the 7.5 inch ankle and instep; there was a staggering amount of carefully calculated decreasing written into the pattern, and it all worked out perfectly. I love the line of decreases down the back of the leg, and the shifting ribs across the top of the foot are excecuted in a genius manner. The lace cuff is very pretty and serves the additional purpose of helping the sock stay in place; however I don't think it would fit very well under pants (sorry, Eva!) I plan to wear these with my skirts during the spring and fall. Also, Bev asked about the dpn holder or "sock saver" in one of the previous posts. Yes, it is wooden, and I bought it from Autumn House Farm. They can be found at fiber festivals, I've heard, but I haven't been able to attend one in the lower 48, so I emailed. John makes them himself, and though I don't believe the holders are listed on the website, if you email John and Delores (or call; their number is listed on the website) you can get more information. They come in 4 lengths (sized to accomodate 5, 6, 7, or 8 inch double point needles) and are very well crafted. I highly recommend one for "serious" sock knitters, as it has saved my sock-in-progress many times. All for now.

Knitter's Treat Exchange

Well, I've gone and done it again... I saw a link to a cool little swap (one send: short and sweet!) called the Knitter's Treat Exchange, and signed up. It's open until March 31, so if you're interested, send them an email. Here are my answers to the questionaire: 1. What's your favourite type of yarn? Wool or wool blends, in pretty much any weight. I'm particularly enamored with laceweight and sock yarns lately. My favorite colors are brown, "spring" green, and blues, though I love and use most of the others as well. 2. What's your least favourite type of yarn? Acrylic and/or novelty yarns hold no appeal for me. I also don't use bulkier yarns (anything over 4 st. per inch) very often. Neon colors are a big "no-no." 3. What's the first thing you do when you visit a new yarn shop? I haven't been to a lot of yarn shops, so when I get the chance I'm genereally overwhelmed. If I have time, I wander slowly and randomly, drawn by colors that I like and feeling the textures. After a time, I remember what exactly I'm looking for, and move with more purpose. (I'm the same way in a fabric shop...) 4. What other crafts do you do / would like to do? I spin (wheel and drop-spindle) and I dye yarn and spinning fiber. I also sew (mostly clothes,) but knitting and spinning definitely take priority. I can't crochet and don't really care to learn (though I admire those who can!) 5. What magazines do you currently subscribe to? Interweave Knits, Spin-Off, and Piecework. I had a subscription to Vogue Knitting, but I'm letting it run out, as I haven't been too impressed by all the issues lately. 6. Put this type of magazine in order of preference: Knitting / Other Craft (fiber related) / Home / Food / Garden / Fashion / Celebrity Gossip / Crochet. Also, I am absolutely 100% okay with knit magazines in foreign languages - I can read French, and I LOVE Japanese craft magazines. (Not a preference, just an option.) 7. What items do you like to knit? Socks (loads of socks), mittens (I'm learning stranded knitting), scarves, hats, sweaters, and lace shawls. I generally knit useful, wearable items (read: I'm not likely to knit a handbag.) 8. Are you allergic to anything? Nope. 9. What do you like to* smell of? (*This is not a typo. The question is: What do you like to smell of?) My favorite shampoo is a mandarin orange/patchouli scent. I like simple, natural fragrances, and am often drawn to the "men's" section for a woodsy scent. I love green tea, cedar, and lavender. 10. What's your favourite way to relax? The scene: Early afternoon in a quiet house; music from the local NPR station plays softly. A woman is sitting in a patch of sunlight near an open window, knitting on her most recent project (if it doesn't require a chart, she may be reading a novel simultaneously.) A mug of coffee or tea sits nearby, along with a plate of fresh fruit and a few squares of dark chocolate. An adoring brown dog naps near her feet... 11. You're stood in front of a Victorian style sweetshop, an Italian cafe, an old fashioned bakery and a dainty tea room. Where do you go first? Probably the Italian cafe, though the bakery might get preference. I'll stand on the sidewalk and waver for awhile... okay, I need a coffee now. 12. What do you come out with? An espresso drink, probably a latte, to go. 13. Where do you go next? The bakery, for some fresh bread and perhaps a scone. Then I'd settle on an outdoor bench somewhere to munch and knit. 14. Any other words of wisdom for your pal? I am a coffee fiend, and I am an equal-opportunity chocolate-devourer. Although I often cite specifics in swap questionaires, I'm really quite easy to please - I love to receive packages and to see what other people put together. Have fun, and if you would like it, it's very likely I will too!

New Socks!

NOT the Millicent stockings - even I'm not that crazed... But I had some down-time yesterday to work on the Lost Lake socks (ah, the joy of knitting in a waiting room...) so they were finished late last night. Here they are in bright daylight:

The specs: "Plain Socks" from Lost Lake handspun (superwash merino) 64 st., reduced to 60 for ankle and foot, K3P1 rib Knit on 2.25mm (US1) dpns

I'm still plugging away at the knee socks, working on the lace cuff for the second sock. It's snowing and cold - good knitting weather!

New look?

**EDIT** Well, the new template was spring-like and all, but I got it by "customizing" using the Blogger "easy layout" option. Not only did they take away my snowflakes (which I'd like to keep as long as it's snowing here, which it is at the moment,) but they also have the archive dates wrong by a year! It was driving me batty, and there was no way to fix it. So, back to the old template until such time as I can work it all out... Well, I did a little re-decorating around the ol' blog - what with the Official First Day of Spring tomorrow and all. If you hate it let me know... Back to the Millicent!

Millicent #1

I must be becoming an extremely fast knitter; either that, or I spend far too much time at it. Perhaps both. The first Millicent is done, and I'm casting on for the second... it's still very cold up here, so I should have plenty of use for them...

No time to blog, busy knitting...

I've been absorbed in a new pattern...

Yes, I'm knitting the Millicent socks! I was so excited that Cookie got her website up and running! I think her sock patterns are genius, and I am excited to work with them and learn new techniques. So far, Millicent has been a very satisfying knit; the lace cuff was fun, and the k2p2 rib is good for knitting while reading. I don't anticipate boredom before I finish the second sock. I also bought the patterns for Rhiannon, the German Stocking, and Twisted Flower, so there will be much fancy-sock knitting in the future.

Speaking of socks... I started another pair for myself from the "Lost Lake" yarn I spun months ago. I'm knitting a very simple knit 3, purl 1 rib, the "tv watching" sock if you will; I expect to finish them soon.

There now, I've fulfilled my blogging duty - back to my knitting!

Progress and recovery

Well, I had a big long post written out, but it was somehow devoured by Blogger and lost in the black hole of cyberspace (user error, no doubt.) To be brief then; I broke down and got some antibiotics for the un-kickable cold. Feeling better, my creativity is back on track, as you shall see.

Saturday Sky shots, a day late, but still beautiful. The latest spinning: ~150 yards dk to worsted weight Spun from a Spritely Goods batt, blended merinos and firestar

aptly named "Pink Guava" Socks! Plain top-down stockinette 64 stitches, 2.25mm (US1) dpns OnLine Supersocke, City, color 65 "Eye of Partridge" heel flap, round toe.

Finished Herrevotte!!!

Herrevotte #3, from Selbustrikk by Raumagarn 2mm (US0) dpns Lana Grossa sock yarn (teal) and Rowan 4 ply Soft (chocolate)

The obligatory "inside view." The most un-worked-for yarn I've ever had. "Winnings" from Cara of January One for being the 18,000th commenter (wow!) Almost felt guilty, but I couldn't refuse... Thank you, Cara!

All for now.

"If we start knitting springy stuff...

...will spring come sooner?" Heh, I tend to doubt that will work here, and I can't even say I'd welcome it; we're having the first snow in about a month, and I'm entirely stoked! Only 3-4 inches so far, but it's predicted to continue through tomorrow evening... But, in more exciting (knitting) news: Spring edition of Knitty is up! Yay! I may be late in noticing, I don't seem to catch on to these things quickly... I like so many of the patterns, but a few favorites: Aija's written a pattern for some very cool socks - Space Invaders, anyone? She's also got a contest going for some really good prizes... I really like the "cool yet comfortable" look of Caroline. I may just have some Lamb's Pride in the stash that would work... Isabella is the sort of elegant summer knit I've been wanting to try... Finally, my favorite of them all is the Clessidra kneesocks - oh! the intertwined cables down the back! The tiny cable detail in front! The height, the warmth! I'm casting on as soon as I stop drooling... Please don't mention that I'm still only 6 rows into the second Herrevotte, and that such inattention to the matters at hand (yes, there is a pun there) does not bode well for the future of a project as time-consuming as knee socks... Latest news from the Nest, the whole family has been seen at the dentist. How do you like the new smiles?

(Yes, yes, the plastic ugly-teeth go in the dishwasher now...)

So lucky...

I've definitely got the cold that's been going around the elementary school - every sniffly, sneezy, coughy, sore-throaty bit of it - so I've been feeling, well, a little less than my best. I'm on the upswing now, but spent most of the weekend and the past two days sleeping (awakened by the Squirrel Girls when they required food or entertainment, or when they wanted to see the look on Momma's face when she stumbles out of bed to find "Princess Cleopatra" and "Rock Star Girl" chasing a dog fully outfitted in dress-up clothes... but that's another story entirely.) I've read a lot of blogs; I've left a bunch of comments; I've had some really interesting conversations about several things I've never pondered before, including Japanese embroidery and the potential ankle shaping of a Jaywalker sock. That's about reached the extent of my cognitive capability this week, so I'm quite satisfied. Thank you for all the complements on the shawl - I'm flattered so many people are impressed! I can't say it was not a lot of work, but I did enjoy most of it. The best work we do is that which we love; that is something that I've been very aware of lately. Since I started this blog I've been most pleasantly surprised by the knit-blogger community. The willingness to share ideas, patterns, advice, and tidbits of personal lives is inspiring and touching. Sometimes, though, I am completely overwhelmed by the kindness of the virtual strangers I've met through "the Internets." In the past two days, I've received two surprise gifts. The first was from Lisa, who was the knitter I sent to during SP9. She gifted me with 8 oz. of undyed bamboo top! I cannot describe how soft and slinky and silky this stuff is. I am itching to work with it, yet hardly know where to start. I spun a tiny amount on my drop spindle, and I found it can spin up gossamer-fine while retaining its strength, shine, and smooth softness... I have no idea what it will become yet, but I'm so thankful for this unexpected opportunity to stretch my creativity! Then today, another mystery package arrived in the post box. (The shawl crept up, still trying to steal the spotlight...) Jen, sent me a copy of the "Wild Fibers" magazine she'd picked up. She said she thought I'd enjoy it, and I certainly am. So much new information to learn (so many different fibers to try! Jen, Andy's may want to have some words with you...)

More than the things we exchange, I'm glad to have the relationships with these women, hundreds or thousands of miles from me, that are based on what? Fluffy bits of wool and cotton? Or is it the common interest in knitting that brings us to the basic kindness of human nature? I think it's so cool we've created a "knitting circle" that circumscribes the globe.

If I seem a bit sappy, you can blame that on the cough medicine ("wheeeee!") But having this group of online "friends" makes me pretty durn happy.

*gigglesnort*

My mother-in-law sent this cartoon. It brightened my day, so I thought I'd share.

Orion, spun

I'm sick today, but wanted to post photos because I've finished spinning and plying the yarn for my Spin to Knit pal from the Orion roving. I'll trudge to the Post Office this afternoon to send it on its way.

Orion, spun. 50% superwash merino, 50% tencel

390 yards, fingering to sport weight -

perfect for socks!

up-close and personal

basking in the sun

Weather Report: Sunny, dry, and cold - highs predicted to reach 18 F, currently 9. Sunrise was at 8:01, sunset will be at 18:36 (10h35m daylight.)

That is all for today. I'm going back to bed till the schoolbus comes bearing kidlets.