50 Pairs of Socks

I have finished my 50th pair of socks.  When I started on this journey of knitting socks, I was determined to master it.  It has been an ongoing process and I learn new things all the time.

Some things I have learned:

1.  I hate ribbing of K1, P1.  I still use it for socks but do prefer K2, P2 or K1 through the back loop and P1.

2.  I have learned that when picking up stitches for the foot of the sock that it is better to k1 through the back loop.

3.  I have learned how to avoid holes when picking up stitches for the foot.

 

4.  I also have found a toe decrease that I like better than others.  It is a personal preference. I found this recipe from a sock pattern I was knitting.  The pattern was Croc socks by Monica Jines.

5.  I learned how to feel comfortable doing the kitchener stitch.  (Using a cheat sheet really helps)

6.  I’ve learned how to do a toe up sock.

7.  I’ve learned how to do a patterned sock.

8.  I’ve learned how to follow a chart.

9.  I’ve learned how to use double pointed needles.

10.  I’ve learned how to knit two socks on two needles.

11.  I’ve learned that I prefer to knit one sock at a time on two needles.

12. I’ve learned that I love sock yarn and that you can use it for other projects other than socks.

13.  I’ve learned that handpainted sock yarn is nicer to stripe than hand dyed sock yarn.

14.  I’ve learned that I love Sanguine Gryphon’s bugga and skinny bugga sock yarn, Wollmeise sock yarn, Numma Numma sock yarn, Sundara sock yarn, Socks that Rock Sock yarn,  Trekking sock yarn and Online yarn sock, and all the other sock yarn out there as you can tell from my stash.  But, I especially love sock yarn with cashmere in it.

15. I’ve learned that using size 1 needles with 64 stitches really does make a nicer sock.  It fits nicer and makes for a denser fabric. When I first began knitting socks, I would have fought tooth and nail using such a small needle.  Size 2’s were my needle of choice.

16.  I’ve learned that even though you are using a pattern designed by someone else, you can change it to suit yourself.

17.  Last but not least, I’ve learned that I love knitting socks!

Looking back, I have learned quite a bit from knitting socks.

I have finished the Embossed Leaves socks (pair number 50) by Mona Schmidt.  I used size 1.5 needles with Sanguine Gryphon’s skinny bugga in leaf insect.

So, try knitting socks if you never have and if you have tried and feel frustrated, don’t give up.  Once you do feel comfortable knitting socks, you will feel a great sense of achievement!

Ready or Not–Christmas is almost here

Well, either you are ready or you are not.  I’m just about there.  All my presents are wrapped, food is bought, and I think that except for a few odds and ends, I can actually relax tomorrow.  Maybe I will even get time to knit.

Tomorrow night, my family will be visiting for Christmas.  We usually order out for pizza and I have some snacks ready plus cookies of course.  Christmas Day, my father-in-law will be up for dinner.  Then it’s all over for another year.

I did finish the one Christmas gift I was making.  I made a prayer shawl for my Mother-in-law, who is in a nursing home.  I used Marble Chunky in color MC15 with size 13 needles.  I really liked this yarn and I’m now working on a shawl for me.

I also finished the last dishcloth of the year in my Monthly Dishcloth group.  I used size 7 needles with Peaches and Crème yarn in Powder puff.  The pattern is called Snowy drops by Andi Worthy.

After all the hustle and bustle of this week, I will be glad for next week when I can relax and knit.  I don’t even care if it snows next week.  I’m ready for a blizzard.

Getting There

I am knitting.  Yep, I am knitting quite a few different projects and I am getting somewhat close to finishing a few of them.

I am finally on the second Embossed Leaves sock.  I should be close to starting the heel flap soon.

I am also getting close to the toe decreasing on the Frolicking Feet basic sock in Christmas Cactus.  I don’t think I will have these finished for Christmas, but maybe for New Years I will.

I did start another shawl using Marble Chunky in color MC16 and size 13 needles.  I love the color.  This one is for me.

I also started a Ripple Baby Afghan to put on the back of our new Lazy Boy chair.  I am using size 8 needles in Fantasy Naturale color 8013.  Only 16 more repeats to go.

This didn’t stop me from buying more yarn.  I got Skinny Bugga from the Sanguine Gryphon in Arge Moth.

And, I also got Gia Fingering yarn from the Sanguine Gryphon in the color Pororoca. 

Plus, I got Little Traveller sock yarn in color balleyboley forest to use on one of the three Advent Calendar scarf patterns that are available this year.

The Sanguine Gryphon’s winter colors are coming out and I’m afraid that I will have no will power and will probably buy more of her yarn.  I just love it.

From the Loopy Ewe, I got Madelinetosh Pashmina in briar purple and Cascade Epiphany in color 1310.  I just had to try these two yarns.  They will be either for a cowl or small shawl.

Lucky that I keep casting on new projects isn’t it?

December and snow

Well, we haven’t had any snow accumulation yet, but we have had snow flurries.  It’s so pretty to see the snow when it’s flurries.  However, Sunday we could have some snow on the ground.  But, that’s okay.  I have no where to go and I can curl up and read a book or knit.  I’m just about ready for Christmas.  I only have a few small items to get and just have to wrap a couple of things.  So, bring on the snow!

I finally finished one of the Embossed Leaves socks.  I am using Sanguine Gryphon’s Skinny Bugga in leaf insect with a size one and one-half needle.  I altered the pattern a little (cuff and toe), but I like how it’s turning out.

I also finished the December KAL from my monthly dishcloth group.  The pattern is Knitted Tree by Frugalhaus.  I used Peaches and Crème in Christmas Green with a size 7 needle.  This was fun to knit.

I also started a basic sock using Frolicking Feet in Christmas Cactus.  I'm using a size one needle.  Not sure if I will finish this in time for Christmas.

I was fascinated by another knitter’s project of the Ribbed Mobeius Scarf, so I went on YouTube to see how to do the cast on and I am loving this pattern.  It’s very easy once you get the yarn cast on.  I am using Araucania Panguipulli in color 5 with a size 10 needle.

I did have to buy more yarn.  I got more Marble Chunky in the color MC16 (a gold colorway).

And, I got Fantasy Naturale in color 8013 to make a small afghan to put on the back of our new Lazyboy chair.

I’m a happy camper. I’m enjoying my time at home, doing what I want to do when I want to do it, surrounded by yarn and knitting with my friends at the Knitter’s Edge. What more could I want?

Finished one goal for 2010

Yippee,  I did meet my goal of reading at least 65 books this year.  I know that I won’t meet all of my goals, but at least I accomplished this one.  I have read the following books lately:

Skein of the Crime by Maggie Sefton

A Wish for Christmas by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer – this series is a great read.

Growing up Laughing by Marlo Thomas – I loved Danny Thomas.  This was about growing up and also some insight about different comedians.

Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovitch – another great book

They call me Baba Booey by Gary Dell’abate and Chad Millman – He works with Howard Stern, but this was about his life and his mother who had mental problems.

Happily Ever After by Nora Roberts – the 4th book in the Bride series.  This really wasn’t as good as the others.

The Handmaid and the Carpenter by Elizabeth Berg – A great read for Christmas.

Dune Road by Jane Green – I love her books and this didn’t disappoint.

Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs – the third book in the series and it was really good.

 

I still have time to read a couple more books in the month of December.

Back to Knitting Socks

It’s good to be back….back to knitting socks.  It’s been awhile since I was working and then working on other projects.  Socks were on the back burner.  But, I finally picked up a sock I had started back in October.  I am working on the Embossed Leaves Sock by Mona Schmidt.  I am using a size 1.5 needle with the Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga in Leaf Insect.  I hope to be turning the heel by the end of the week.

I want to start on a Christmas sock.  A plain basic sock pattern using either String Theory Continuum sock yarn in Kinetic Energy.  I got this yarn in a kit from Simply Socks. It was the Fa La La sock kit.  We got a reversal project bag, bottle cap magnets and gift cards with the kit.  I really like the yarn too.

The other sock yarn I am thinking of using is the yarn I got at the Knitter’s Edge, my favorite local yarn store.  It’s from Frolicking Feet and the color is Christmas Cactus.  I think I will knit my Christmas sock out of this yarn.

I started on the second ball of Marble Chunky yarn for the prayer shawl for my only knitted Christmas gift.  I really like this yarn.  It’s acrylic, soft and washable.  I just had to buy more colors, so I got MC14 (red) and MC6 (blue/brown).  I think there is another color that I want to get yet.  I like this so much that I am getting rid of the Lion Brand Homespun yarn I bought awhile back.  I will donate it to a prayer shawl group.

Are you knitting any Christmas gifts?

It was a Great Thanksgiving

I really had a great Thanksgiving, especially since I had quit my job.  It  just wasn’t working out for me and I was having blood pressure issues.  So, I guess my body was telling me to take time to smell the roses and stay home.  I am enjoying it immensely. I get to do what I want (knit and read) and what I am really looking forward to is sitting at home and watch it snow.  I won’t have to worry if I should stay home or go into work.

I have been knitting.  I finished the November Mid Month Dishcloth KAL.  The pattern is called Fire N Ice by Janet Nogle.  I used Peaches and Crème yarn in Premium Passion and Delft Blue with a size 6 needle.  This was a fun knit and it turned out really nice.

I also completed the Purl Ridge Scarf.  It’s a scarf that is knit in the round. The pattern is by Stephen West.  I really like his designs.  I used a size 8 needle with Madelinetosh dk yarn in the oxblood color way.

I really enjoy knitting cowls, so I bought yarn to make more.  I got Rowan Lima in a grey and purple color way.

Rowan Drift in a grey color way.  I think I am on a grey kick.

Also, Araucania Panguipulli yarn to make a Mobius scarf in a blue/teal color way.

And I bought more Baby Ull yarn by Dale of Norway to get ready to knit more calendar scarves.  I still have to block the last one I knit and will have to post a picture once it’s blocked.  I got a green color (9013)

and a grey color (0007).

I have much knitting to keep me busy during the winter months don’t I?

Christmas songs on the radio?

November is flying by and Christmas is coming up pretty quickly.  One of our local radio stations is playing Christmas music already.  It just doesn’t seem right.  It was nice that Daylight Savings Time ended last Sunday and we got an extra hour, but I hate that it’s dark out so early.  I am dreaming of Spring and warmer weather.

I got my last Loopy Ewe Sock Club shipment.  It was a nice package.  We got The Sanguine Gryphon’s Bugga yarn in Great Purple Hairstreak, A top down sock pattern by Debbie of Nutty Creations and cabled hat pattern by Sara of the Sexy Knitter.  Also in the package was a set of stitch markers and a Loopy Ewe Stitch Marker pocket. 

So, this was the second year that I was in the club.  I will go into the lottery again, but won’t be guaranteed a spot.  So, if I get in, I get in and if not I should be in the Don’t Be blue club, which will be nice.

I also bought some Fortissima Color Sock yarn in color 164.  I liked the different shades of red on this yarn and it would be nice for Christmas or Valentines Day.

I completed the November 2010 dishcloth KAL.  The cloth is by Elaine Fitzpatrick and it’s called the peanut cloth.  I used Peaches and Crème in color peacock with size 6 needles.

I also finished the Twist baby hat by Melissa Goodale.  I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in a blue denim colorway with size 2 and 3 needles.

I need to give this hat and the Sprout hat to my niece.  Her baby was due on November 12th, but she had the baby on November 4th. He was 7 pounds, 8 ounces and she named him Carter.

Reading–but falling behind

I have been reading, but work sure is getting in the way.  I think I will make my goal of 65 books for the year, but I need to get reading.

I have finished the following books:

Fly Away Home – Jennifer Weiner (great read and hope there is a sequel)

On Mystic Lake – Kristin Hannah – I just love her books

A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolft

Dream When you’re Feeling Blue – Elizabeth Berg

Promises to Keep – Jane Green

1022 Evergreen Place – Debbie Macomber

The Surgeon – Tess Gerritsen – Scary book

Big Russ & Me – Tim Russert

The Perfect Christmas – Debbie Macomber

The Things we do for Love – Kristin Hannah

Low Country Summer – Dorothea Benton Frank – Love, love her books

Heart of the Matter – Emily Giffin

Home Again – Kristin Hannah

Wool Girl Sock Club–October 2010

I got the October shipment of the Wool Girl Sock Club.  It is a nice package. 

I got a skein of Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock in Terrywinkle colorway.  Two patterns:  The Sock Thief sock pattern by Liz Abinante and Secret Love Scarf pattern by Liz Abinante.  A wooden box designed by Brooke of Mmin: I like Dreamin, A handmade glass needle vial by Zecca (I love these),  a loop design vintage stitch marker, and a handmade gift tag.

One more shipment of Woolgirl to come in December.

I got to go to knitting for over an hour on Friday.  That made me feel good.   I was working on the prayer shawl for a Christmas gift. It was also nice to see my knitting friends.

Just in time for Halloween

I finished the socks!  I really concentrated on finishing my Halloween socks.  I loved the yarn and how it striped.  I used size 1 needles, String Theory Continuum sock yarn in the color way Little Ghost Nebula with a basic sock pattern.  I love my new socks and I got to wear them to knitting today.

Yes, I went to my favorite yarn shop today and was able to knit with my friends.  What a great day.  I really felt sad though.  I miss going to knitting.  I am really going to try and get there for at least an hour each Friday or most Fridays.  The good news is that in two weeks I am off again and two weeks after that is Thanksgiving and I am off again.  So, I can definitely go those weeks. Something to look forward to.

I also finished the October Mid Month KAL.  The pattern was a witch by Alli Barrett.  I used size 6 needles with Sugar and Cream yarn in orange. 

Guess, you can tell it’s October and Halloween since I have been using  a lot of orange colored yarn?

I have purchased some new yarn.  I loved the String Theory Continuum yarn that I had to get Candy Corn and Electron from Simply Socks.

 

From the Loopy Ewe, I recently purchased Dream in Color’s Everlasting Sock yarn in Rosy and Tidewater.  It’s a nice sock yarn.  The Rosy color way is different from any other colors I have.

Now that I finished my Halloween sock, I need to get knitting on the embossed leaves sock, the prayer shawl for Christmas, and the baby hat for my niece (yikes, the baby is due soon).  I also need to start on the Great American afghan project that my friends are also knitting and need to get ready for the 2010 Kalendar scarf ( I still have to block my other scarf and take a picture of the finished project).

I can’t finish without showing a new picture of Maggie.  Doesn’t she look content and happy?

Time is flying and I’m glad.  I’m counting the days until the end of April.  Hope it goes real fast.

Knitting Makes me Happy

I am finally knitting more and starting to finish some projects.

I completed the October KAL in my Dishcloth group.  The pattern was Spider by Andi Worthy.  I used size 6 needles with Peaches and Creme yarn in the color shrimp.

I finished one Halloween sock using String Theory’s Continuum yarn in Little Ghost Nebula.  I am using size 1 needles.  This yarn is really nice and I love how it striped.

 

Three knitting friends were working on the Maelstrom sock and all of us finally finished them.  Don’t they look great?

   

I had to get a new picture of Maggie.  She just loves her ball and needs to have it by her all of the time.  She’s always ready to have me play with her.  I love how her tongue sticks out.

Yarn, Yarn and more Yarn….when does it stop?

I’m not knitting much, but I sure am buying yarn.  I just love yarn.  It makes me happy.

From The Knitter’s Edge, I got Crystal Palace Mochi Plus in color 558.  It’s a blue, green, purple color to make the Ruffled Scarf.

I also got Berroco Comfort yarn in color 9726 to make a bunny rabbit for my niece’s baby.  However, I recently found out that the theme for the room is monkey’s, so maybe I won’t be making the bunny.

Then I got String Theory’s Continuum sock yarn from Simply Socks.  This is a wide striping sock yarn.  It’s really cool and I love the colors.  I got Dark Matter (purple and black) and Little Ghost Nebula (orange and black for Halloween).

I started on the Halloween sock and it’s fun to knit. I’m using a size 1 needle.  I love the orange color.  My high school colors are also Orange and Black.  Although it’s been years since I graduated from high school.

I couldn’t resist ordering Skinny Bugga from the Sanguine Gryphon.  Her new fall colors are out.  I got Leaf Insect and The Herald.  Lovely colors!

I did start a prayer shawl for my mother-in-law for Christmas. Hope I get to finish it.  I am using the Marble Chunky yarn in color MC 15 with a size 13 needle.  I really like working with this yarn.