tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12707850511256747162024-03-06T00:32:40.466-05:00minding my own stitchesMinding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.comBlogger1413125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-52274707563744180262023-07-06T21:07:00.002-04:002023-07-06T21:09:12.866-04:00The Groundwork<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa2CbuBu7wq7_t8yJPygGEGnDT4XBSqA5C1OXhe_LeD9XkYZDKxU1iuiq30MnkjdkdpBEmPgracL3_ac8Mx4peILXiDFWMPe58QA-loNUhrS2xpp40R4ZB5Y7lIq0RBBBIxxqtPcHZ_CxhHXlrbY6vRKgJfZNSI3SmtMHHf1LJOoDKuote7XEsEXLrAs/s2000/Sweater_01_Swatching.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOa2CbuBu7wq7_t8yJPygGEGnDT4XBSqA5C1OXhe_LeD9XkYZDKxU1iuiq30MnkjdkdpBEmPgracL3_ac8Mx4peILXiDFWMPe58QA-loNUhrS2xpp40R4ZB5Y7lIq0RBBBIxxqtPcHZ_CxhHXlrbY6vRKgJfZNSI3SmtMHHf1LJOoDKuote7XEsEXLrAs/s320/Sweater_01_Swatching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Everyone knows I'm a sock knitter, so it's no surprise that having decided to knit a sweater I feel completely out of my depth. Never mind that, I'm determined to knit myself a sweater that fits and that I enjoy wearing. <p></p><p>But what pattern? I did an advanced search on Ravelry for my three must-have characteristics:</p><p>(i) <b>TOP DOWN CONSTRUCTION</b> I am very tall - over 6 foot - so I'll need to try on my WIP and adjust as I go. I'm anticipating that I may need extra rows between the neck and the bottom of the armhole, and I'm definitely going to want extra length in the body and sleeves.</p><p>(ii) <b>RAGLAN SLEEVES</b> I have very wide shoulders. I've never found a woman's shirt or jacket that fits in the shoulders, except those with drop shoulders or raglan sleeves. As much as I moon over all those sweaters in "Hot Right Now" with round colourwork yokes, that kind of sweater doesn't fit me at all. My hope is that a Raglan will give me the fit I'm looking for. </p><p>(iii) <b>DK WEIGHT YARN</b> I want a nice squishy fabric but the thought of a worsted sweater just makes me feel hot and uncomfortable.</p><p>That's when I saw this pattern: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fall-line-sweater" target="_blank">Fall Line</a>. It ticks my boxes and in addition, I like the plainness of the neck, chest and shoulders areas. No need to add bulky patterning in those areas!</p><p>Next step? Yarn. Remember that comment about "a nice squishy fabric" ... so that's wool, right? I chose Cascade 220 Superwash - a nice, reasonably priced wool yarn. It's listed as a Light Worsted, but the knitting gauge is right on where I need to be. Colour-wise I was wavering between 1235 Red Wine Heather and 1918 Shire. Gavin preferred the Shire, and there 10 balls of the same dyelot left, so I ordered them all. I'll need extra for lengthening the sleeves and the body, and besides, it's also the perfect weight yarn for fingerless mitts should there be leftover.</p><p>I picked up the yarn from the post office on Tuesday and then bought the pattern. The pattern calls for (2) 4.5 mm circular needles (eek!) - one 24" and one 40". Going through all my supplies I found a 40" Addi Turbo 4.5 mm circular - google confirming that the measurement is from needle tip to tip and NOT just the cord - so I used that to swatch.</p><p>The pattern instructions indicate that the swatch is knitted in the round, so that was my first challenge. I cast on 50 sts and learned magic loop from <a href="https://blog.tincanknits.com/2013/10/03/magic-loop/" target="_blank">this tutorial by TinCanKnits</a>. Turns out it's a lot easier than I thought and I got the hang of it quickly. I knit 16 rounds and then measured. Looks like my gauge is almost perfect - both stitch gauge and row gauge looks good! I'm feeling very lucky as I was dreading all the math to adjust for that too. A question though... do you suppose that I even need to buy the smaller circular needle? Or can I make do with the 40" long circular?</p><p>So I guess that's the groundwork done. Tomorrow I cast on for real!!<br /></p>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-83227941052382442402023-07-04T17:44:00.006-04:002023-07-04T17:51:33.748-04:00<p></p><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbEyHs5gcvWUjp5vShWkav-OWNKJJAdiF3A5IS8_vYEfJOEqsAmC9hzhM2M-h128dOScy7B51s-eMPKl28kR_THVjePOa2GvumUmI5SpuNNZpGApofZH3k4JbEl2gF6yHP6urZFy5oNSAWKwsQe9M_rvRyz7O_fm7GGAGmxEYaeT0e4RmT2Oo8zcnqy8/s2000/Intersections_02.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbEyHs5gcvWUjp5vShWkav-OWNKJJAdiF3A5IS8_vYEfJOEqsAmC9hzhM2M-h128dOScy7B51s-eMPKl28kR_THVjePOa2GvumUmI5SpuNNZpGApofZH3k4JbEl2gF6yHP6urZFy5oNSAWKwsQe9M_rvRyz7O_fm7GGAGmxEYaeT0e4RmT2Oo8zcnqy8/s320/Intersections_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Today I finished a pair of socks that had been on the needles for several weeks - <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/intersections" target="_blank">Intersections</a> by Marceline Smith. The yarn is County Vacay Sock in a colourway called "Secret Beach'. It is hadn't-dyed by the proprietor of <a href="https://rosehaven-yarn-shop.myshopify.com/collections/sock-yarn/products/county-vacay-yarns-handdyed-by-lesley" target="_blank">Rose-Haven Yarn Shop</a> in Picton, Ontario. My sister bought it as a gift for me whilst vacationing in Prince Edward County.<div><br /></div><div>As you can see the yarn is a little busy with flashes of green and blue, so I chose a pattern with a bit of texture but not too pattern-y. The pattern has small crossing cables but nothing too challenging. I'm happy with the end result, but the knitting was a little bit tedious.<br /><div><br /></div><div>On Ravelry there were several comments about the heel being tight and hard to fit over ankles, so I substituted my favourite German Short Row heel for the heel written in the pattern. There's still a noticeable lack of stretch, but the fit's okay.</div><div><br /></div><div>The legs are quite short - I usually like my legs to be knit at least as long as the foot - but after reading the comments about the inflexibility of the knitted fabric, I chose to play it safe, keep the legs short and add a generous ribbed cuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>The finished pair weighs 108 grams, so I was fortunate that the yardage is so generous with this sock yarn. I have almost 15 grams left over!</div><div><br /></div><div>I pushed myself to finish these socks today, because I had a slip from Canada Post to notify me that a parcel was waiting for me. With the holidays around the Canada Day weekend, today was my first opportunity to pick it up. Not a surprise though - it's the yarn I ordered from LoveCrafts.com with <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fall-line-sweater" target="_blank">this sweater </a>in mind. But more on that another time.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div></div>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-85030675318672042262023-05-22T11:09:00.004-04:002023-05-22T11:09:49.921-04:00Saltwater Mittens<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqmzINnF5-kOZmLR16WZFv4kG6gDhCMhVCQT0P6aUp9TB3ga7y4IZlK5VeS7rsQ-64IpjiR4zFC-QkfE-WcdRsUT0tIq2gKpgwmVnhXSmk2MBVGysAR_XgJYZt-fTbkg9fn8ufDngoBvzBmHyqG-75DIaonbXikxw1KiX9aUzzDWbkhS-dgTLoF_8/s3830/IMG_9328.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2973" data-original-width="3830" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqmzINnF5-kOZmLR16WZFv4kG6gDhCMhVCQT0P6aUp9TB3ga7y4IZlK5VeS7rsQ-64IpjiR4zFC-QkfE-WcdRsUT0tIq2gKpgwmVnhXSmk2MBVGysAR_XgJYZt-fTbkg9fn8ufDngoBvzBmHyqG-75DIaonbXikxw1KiX9aUzzDWbkhS-dgTLoF_8/s320/IMG_9328.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>For my birthday two years ago, my friend Jane gifted me with the book <a href="https://boulderbooks.ca/product/saltwater-mittens/" target="_blank">Saltwater Mittens</a> by Christine LeGrow and Shirley A. Scott. To go along with that, my brother sent me 2 skeins each of Turquoise, Yellow and Black in <a href="https://briggsandlittle.com/product/regal/" target="_blank">Briggs & Little Regal 2 ply</a>. "Is it enough for a pair of mittens?" he asked. As it turns out, it was enough for 8 pairs of adult mittens and a child's pair. <p></p><p>After knitting socks, it was fun to knit a heavier weight yarn on much bigger needles. These mitts work up quickly! A pair takes less than a week when knitting during the evening while binge-watching TV. </p><p>Although the book includes instructions for trigger mitts and gloves, I'm not so keen on weaving in ends, so I stuck with mittens. Besides, they're warmer, right? That's a consideration as I'm planning to donate them to charity.</p><p>What's next? Socks and more socks. At least a half dozen more pairs until I've worked all the way through my remaining sock yarn. I met up with a local woman who cranks socks - she was happy to accept a couple of bags of sock yarn scraps from me. Aaaah, it feels great knowing that they'll be put to good use.</p><p>And then? Who knows ... maybe a sweater?</p>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-4162759250756140452022-08-21T08:20:00.001-04:002022-08-21T08:20:30.388-04:00Year of Projects 12: Week 8<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx0I6rP5-UYo2WOya85oI_5NWMdU6FdpjoO7SKpHRv_HlUIz3UUkTtNMpHdxzxw6HOGebfDzynO9lFzjPhr42zlyrNLASs9fWY6z6KM8KeihsgELhXKom8RWfilr9R8usuA5t6vKeNkS1JYP_GFUAttFa-VjdSSJyLMigg4aQGs2vpOb17apBgUac/s2000/VolturiPalace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx0I6rP5-UYo2WOya85oI_5NWMdU6FdpjoO7SKpHRv_HlUIz3UUkTtNMpHdxzxw6HOGebfDzynO9lFzjPhr42zlyrNLASs9fWY6z6KM8KeihsgELhXKom8RWfilr9R8usuA5t6vKeNkS1JYP_GFUAttFa-VjdSSJyLMigg4aQGs2vpOb17apBgUac/s320/VolturiPalace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>That's the first sock done; the second sock is underway. What a lovely sock! Did I mention how much I'm enjoying <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/volturi-palace-socks" target="_blank">this pattern</a>? I just adore that column of stitches - it's cleverly made by pulling stitches over each other so there's no cabling and it's very quick and easy to work.<p></p><p>Someone familiar with the pattern might detect the mistake I made. The tile pattern is meant to start and finish with a contrast colour round. I guess I was in such a hurry to dive into the colour work that I wasn't paying close enough attention. I only realized at the end of the tile pattern when the pattern called for a round knitted in contrast colour, but once I was that far, I decided to leave it as is and omit that contrast colour round at both top and bottom of the tile pattern. And you know, it might have been even nicer with those contrast colour rows to frame the colourwork, but it's water under the bridge now.</p><p>I'm sure you've realized that I'm generally in favour of lengthening sock legs until they are at least as long as the foot, if not a touch longer. I just think the sock looks better proportioned that way. But in this case I didn't want to do anything to move that tile pattern up the leg. It's not stretchy enough to move up onto the wider part of my calf. I settled for making the ribbed cuff about 25% longer than directed. I think it balances nicely with the length of the colourwork below.</p><p>It looks like I will have time to finish this pair before the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/musselburgh" target="_blank">Musselburgh KAL</a> gets underway on September 1st. Happy crafting everyone! If you'd like to join our Year of Projects group, look for us <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/a-year-of-projects" target="_blank">here</a> on Ravelry.</p>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-38452258250695209242022-08-14T15:36:00.001-04:002022-08-14T15:36:12.609-04:00Year of Projects 12: Week 7<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO48mYxqq2PxRuBnOOy94AZ0JOw-7ZHxEqT5FbLEfC5Jbog9nKR3ZBf_GudQjUfa2W20aPb1RrYUMELPFkF-NFFZqdFftrcZNUcjYiYkZXxfqjwOc11kYuOoJXN3lQeqVUMr5WT7Ecu-tFznRQC7pEF4JzsyoUEAS2_aDYW30V8AnHTt3qaS4DzaE/s4150/KroyTurquoiseSocks_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4150" data-original-width="2100" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO48mYxqq2PxRuBnOOy94AZ0JOw-7ZHxEqT5FbLEfC5Jbog9nKR3ZBf_GudQjUfa2W20aPb1RrYUMELPFkF-NFFZqdFftrcZNUcjYiYkZXxfqjwOc11kYuOoJXN3lQeqVUMr5WT7Ecu-tFznRQC7pEF4JzsyoUEAS2_aDYW30V8AnHTt3qaS4DzaE/s320/KroyTurquoiseSocks_0405.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>Nothing better than having a finished object to post! These Kroy Turquoise Stripes Socks are done and I'm quite pleased with them. <p></p><p>Although all that vanilla sock knitting was pretty dull, self-striping yarn like this usually fights with fancy stitch patterns, so vanilla it would be. I like the colours and the stripes, but it does frustrate me that Kroy yardage is so skimpy. I'd have been happier to complete the socks entirely in the Kroy Stripes rather than having to add bands of black to lengthen the leg. </p><p>Oh well, never mind all that. They're done, the ends are sewn in, they fit perfectly and I like them more than I thought I would. That's a win. And finishing without leftovers is very satisfying.</p><p>For the last few days I've been continuing with my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/volturi-palace-socks" target="_blank">Palace Volturi</a> socks, and really enjoying the pattern. Thanks to Knit Companion I was able to pick up where I left off without missing a beat (or a row) after more than a year. The stitch patterns are interesting but not so complicated that I can't binge watch <a href="https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220803-the-sandman-how-an-unfilmable-comic-made-it-to-netflix" target="_blank">The Sandman</a> at the same time. I can hardly wait to get to the colourwork "tile" pattern towards the top of the leg. It's making me think that I should have another look through Rachel Coopey's patterns to see if I should add a few more to my Year of Projects.</p><p>Have a great week! See you again next Sunday for my next Year of Projects 12 update. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/a-year-of-projects" target="_blank">Year of Projects</a> is a group on Ravelry - you're very welcome to join us if you are interested.</p>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-3822711342687715902022-08-07T15:12:00.005-04:002022-08-07T15:12:45.248-04:00Year of Projects 12: Week 6<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqwsL1YZWcH0pfpmd-zOiNxk98eVqjyp-kYOTyD5wUJtdMsts82PJUeFtyDbpTRPFDusEkxfQixw1SPFEseZrLS2j-2zFbGD0WA_pdO_6gVW8TrJAuOe4DtIIn5WfgtVe4fzKftKBdJ2OWVjYo-3Kaz6Ua6XHh1wx05yayMtPALRefpi5Q6_G-DzE/s2000/Mussleburgh_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqwsL1YZWcH0pfpmd-zOiNxk98eVqjyp-kYOTyD5wUJtdMsts82PJUeFtyDbpTRPFDusEkxfQixw1SPFEseZrLS2j-2zFbGD0WA_pdO_6gVW8TrJAuOe4DtIIn5WfgtVe4fzKftKBdJ2OWVjYo-3Kaz6Ua6XHh1wx05yayMtPALRefpi5Q6_G-DzE/s320/Mussleburgh_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My Kroy Turquoise Stripes Socks aren't done yet. Almost, but not quite, done. I'm about half way through the ribbing on the leg of the second sock and expect to finish them in the next day or two. And then on to <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/volturi-palace-socks" target="_blank">Volturi Palace</a> Socks as my focus for the remainder of August.<p></p><p>I've got an exact time frame in mind, because I've signed up for the Monster Musselburgh KAL on Instagram (#MonsterMusselburghKAL). Two knitters that I follow - @circletoes and @smcarn - are hosting the KAL. Every year they run a Monster Sock KAL, but this year they're doing a hat rather than socks. The pattern is <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/musselburgh" target="_blank">Musselburgh</a> by Ysolda Teague. The KAL runs from September 1 to October 15. Participants must use scrap yarn and/or mini sets. </p><p>The Musselburgh pattern is written for your choice of 9 gauges, from light fingering to DK, to make a reversible double-layered hat in your choice of 6 sizes, from baby to adult extra-large. That should work with ALL my scraps. And I suspect these will make good Christmas gifts!</p><p>In anticipation of the September 1st cast on, I've organized three collections of sock yarn scraps as shown in my photo. At the top are blues and greys, at the right are greens, browns and neutrals and on the left are pinks and purples. The tough part is choosing where to start. As I was sorting the scraps I thought that I'd be starting with the blues and greys, but seeing them in collections like this I'm now leaning towards the greens, browns and neutrals. Hmmmm. What do you think?</p><p>In other news, I had a slight stumble in my Austere August plans. At a garage sale on Saturday morning, I picked up two 50g balls of Regia 6-fâdig sock yarn in a tweedy charcoal grey and one 100g ball of SRK On Your Toes Sock with Aloe Vera yarn in a tweedy brown - for $2 each and a grand total of $6. That was too much of a bargain to pass up! The garage sale had bins and bins of crafty goods - quilting fabrics, embroidery kits, needle felting supplies, beading supplies and tools, sewing patterns, and yarn - so I really think I controlled myself pretty well in the face of a great deal of temptation!</p><p>Have a great week everyone. To find out more about the Year of Projects, have a look <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/a-year-of-projects" target="_blank">here</a> on Ravelry!</p>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-79601741714230391202022-07-31T10:27:00.001-04:002022-07-31T10:27:33.024-04:00Year of Projects 12: Week 5<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmYxq1FLdbeD89munvZzHPdT3RJzIWCdgon0bI1nz59TUV5KIqHMNplWziyblTSoNRy-5N7mo4AmtRe1ANuIiKhJM84WWUVMjAoUXP-WzNzEbfYzwOOQrVffl6ftYtydjQ7m-41NgSh1dkztFif7KgQkb-wO4bXDO2UKxDAcYTIj3_dqvq9GjcO2o/s2000/VolturiPalace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmYxq1FLdbeD89munvZzHPdT3RJzIWCdgon0bI1nz59TUV5KIqHMNplWziyblTSoNRy-5N7mo4AmtRe1ANuIiKhJM84WWUVMjAoUXP-WzNzEbfYzwOOQrVffl6ftYtydjQ7m-41NgSh1dkztFif7KgQkb-wO4bXDO2UKxDAcYTIj3_dqvq9GjcO2o/s320/VolturiPalace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm ready to turn the heel on my second sock in Kroy Turquoise Stripes, but never mind that! I found my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/volturi-palace-socks" target="_blank">Volturi Palace</a> Socks project, hiding in plain sight of course, exactly where it was supposed to be. Not sure how I missed it on the first few searches. It's a relief to stop wondering whether I left it behind somewhere.<p></p><p>The Volturi Palace pattern by Rachel Coopey is one that's been on my favourites list for a long time. It combines a little bit of colourwork with patterned columns up the foot and leg. It's a really stretchy pattern too, so it's going to be a really well-fitted pair of socks. Those familiar with the Twilight Series will recognize the designer's inspiration for the sock pattern, but it means nothing to me. It's just a fun and attractive pattern as far as I'm concerned.</p><p>The yarn is 80/20 Sock from <a href="https://www.shelridge.com/yarn?category=Semi-Solid+%2F+Solid+Wool" target="_blank">Shelridge Yarns</a> in Aubergine and Natural White. It's one of my favourite sock yarns of all time. The Aubergine is especially beautiful - it's mostly solid with little flecks of darker, lighter and golden tones. I bought it a few years ago in a little shop in Lakefield when we were cottaging on Stoney Lake, expressly with this pattern in mind.</p><p>So the plan now is to finish the Kroy Socks this week, then move on to the Volturi Palace socks. Thankfully I was tracking my rows in Knit Companion so I should be able to pick up exactly where I left off. If you're not familiar with Knit Companion, it's a very handy iPad app that makes it super easy to keep track of progress through knitted charts. I've been using it for years and won't go back to printing out patterns and marking them.</p><p>Over at <a href="https://wanderingcatstudio.com/2022/07/31/i-want-a-do-over/comment-page-1/#comment-18641" target="_blank">Wandering Cat Studio</a>, Valerie has announced her plan for "Austere August". I can get behind that. I'll admit that I was engaging in some magical thinking - along the lines of ordering solid colour sock yarns to combine with my sock yarn scraps. But honestly, I DO have solid colour yarns on hand to use up, so I should really start there!</p><p>Have a great week everyone, and I hope to <i>'see' </i>you again next Sunday for my next Year of Projects 12 update. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/a-year-of-projects" target="_blank">Year of Projects is a group on Ravelry</a> - you're very welcome to join us if you are interested.</p>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-42880690652136908182022-07-24T09:44:00.000-04:002022-07-24T09:44:01.803-04:00Year of Projects 12: Week 4<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCacqq1uR3BJ-NpeGaVaT4t6wbWAQWKGePEPj5gAEgG0qScQJzxFx-d2pE3fSk6y7KnAuHLz08RtmZKSMqD9F6T8cy7Ml1lHPaBzt85s5Q4y8qKZrXCNeHmQA_oPrLlEo4FqvHZgXrhhp8TYyTLDf6M51oj8KRBs65-NrQTvxqznxqXsKM-uBJXfxg/s2000/Kroy_TurquoiseStripes_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCacqq1uR3BJ-NpeGaVaT4t6wbWAQWKGePEPj5gAEgG0qScQJzxFx-d2pE3fSk6y7KnAuHLz08RtmZKSMqD9F6T8cy7Ml1lHPaBzt85s5Q4y8qKZrXCNeHmQA_oPrLlEo4FqvHZgXrhhp8TYyTLDf6M51oj8KRBs65-NrQTvxqznxqXsKM-uBJXfxg/s320/Kroy_TurquoiseStripes_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first sock is done. See how little yarn is left from that first ball of Kroy? I'm glad I added black; this would be a very short sock without the added stripes!<p></p><p>Most of the sock was knit with 64 st rounds, but as I lengthened the leg I increased 8 sts total to add some ease to the calf. And then to finish I used <a href="https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/stretchy-bind-off-stich-knitting-tutorial-2115677" target="_blank">this stretchy bind off</a>. It's stretchy enough without loose stitches or a ruffled edge.</p><p>My priority should be Sock #2, but instead I'm thinking about what to knit next. I'd really like to find that missing pair of Volturi Palace socks! It's a quiet rainy Sunday so perhaps I'll take some time to tidy and reorganize my craft drawers in search of the missing project.</p><p>If I don't find the missing socks then my next project might be <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solace-6" target="_blank">Solace</a> by Anne Fletcher with a variegated purple sock yarn. It looks like good TV knitting! Another option involves a ball of <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/people/WalkWithAngels/stash/opal-glitter-mit-silbereffekt-2" target="_blank">Opal Glitter Mit Silbereffectkt in their "Flash" colourway</a>. I wonder what it would look like in alternating rows with a solid colour yarn? And I wonder if I have any solid colour leftovers in my stash that would work. At this point I'm really tempted to buy a few skeins of natural colour sock yarn for combining with multicolour leftovers. Hmmm, let me think on that.</p><p>But, of course, Sock #2 in Kroy Turquoise Stripes will be next. If I don't do it now, who knows when it will get done. Happy crafting everyone. If you'd like to join our Year of Project group, look for us <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/a-year-of-projects" target="_blank">here</a> on Ravelry!</p>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-33439463241548422052022-07-17T10:02:00.003-04:002022-07-17T10:02:17.780-04:00Year of Projects 12: Week 3<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOR2G83tsU1F5qxk8-gsQlCxAtRugzT9gDsMyMWd8N56V2uzG08LX3vHcYpYAlzpWMyWHBYBGQSGiiHKthGzTKI9BYKcrZQ7x3wybwh96yMxp4vxm0K9PO99NvgGFhYUm1Hypu4BBYmV3L0DC7NDM_nZsGOns-2QSQB-FFp8h_5fZf4I2eCL0B7Q4/s2000/KroySock02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOR2G83tsU1F5qxk8-gsQlCxAtRugzT9gDsMyMWd8N56V2uzG08LX3vHcYpYAlzpWMyWHBYBGQSGiiHKthGzTKI9BYKcrZQ7x3wybwh96yMxp4vxm0K9PO99NvgGFhYUm1Hypu4BBYmV3L0DC7NDM_nZsGOns-2QSQB-FFp8h_5fZf4I2eCL0B7Q4/s320/KroySock02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Sorry for missing last week. I was crazy busy with work and other obligations, leaving me with no chance to knit, or blog, or anything else for that matter. But I think I'm through the worst of it, and in the last few days I've had a chance to return to these socks.<p></p><p>These are my Kroy Turquoise Stripes Socks. I've used the recipe for a flap-and-gusset heel from Modern Knitting found <a href="https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/2019/10/21/flap-gusset-heel-recipe-toe-up-socks/" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm a big fan of German Short Rows with their very tidy double stitches. It makes a really nice heel with no holes.</p><p>I was thinking that I'd make a smaller pair of socks for a friend, but I tend to mindlessly knit socks to my exact size. My feet are long and narrow, and everyone else's feet seem improbably small when I'm eyeballing where to start gusset increases. Oh well, I'll get good use of them. Sorry friend, you're out of luck again!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhum33OIRNvM47naR0-FtDheR6gmhFVtR8Go6cSRjgFbKldnCrpAOz_ZnPbvtVYBN0xtT0hrpCinJ_rtEqAvnH0GY544_h5ujtRstrpf-I-wiVaiTV680wB5iij6Sfp50PNxSFp1q4Jaot_DFO8SsDP2RhEuX6YLEGwe7IRy-JuqZEjeYMNuIaiFTXH/s2000/KroySock03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhum33OIRNvM47naR0-FtDheR6gmhFVtR8Go6cSRjgFbKldnCrpAOz_ZnPbvtVYBN0xtT0hrpCinJ_rtEqAvnH0GY544_h5ujtRstrpf-I-wiVaiTV680wB5iij6Sfp50PNxSFp1q4Jaot_DFO8SsDP2RhEuX6YLEGwe7IRy-JuqZEjeYMNuIaiFTXH/s320/KroySock03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Although my original intention was knit until the yarn was gone, anyone who has used Kroy before knows that the yardage is scant for large socks. Rather than settling for a short leg, I'm adding some stripes of leftover black yarn. I think it's not too discordant with the original stripes. And yes, I switched to k2p2 rib to make for a really comfortable sock. </p><p>I hope to finish sock one in the next few days and get a start on sock two. Back in the day I'd have the pair finished by the end of the week, but that's not likely to happen these days. Earlier in the year, I'd been taking part in daily and weekly art challenges and I'm hoping to get back into routine sketching as well as knitting.</p><p>Have a great week everyone. If you're interested in joining the group of us doing a Year of Projects, you can find us on Ravelry <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/groups/a-year-of-projects" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><br /><br />Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-72545971875249967322022-07-03T18:09:00.004-04:002022-07-03T18:19:51.948-04:00Year of Projects 12: Week 01<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mQ0kgm4QrJVu0kdhtGQS4DGNCxyVmbqXWN0rtRhfAm-9rSOCTMqTVkA9lb_vemRsTRMhU5ixwXJ0RgOtLeDcAkxnvvs70gcnZ0wyuesZ8topwo0tIOFCZolixVxDvki4ERTg9NfeQRVC7ZXRtWNmCv1oDUSht4bgCyzwJ3eTbwtzqw79B3JeJa-s/s6048/YofP12_01.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6048" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mQ0kgm4QrJVu0kdhtGQS4DGNCxyVmbqXWN0rtRhfAm-9rSOCTMqTVkA9lb_vemRsTRMhU5ixwXJ0RgOtLeDcAkxnvvs70gcnZ0wyuesZ8topwo0tIOFCZolixVxDvki4ERTg9NfeQRVC7ZXRtWNmCv1oDUSht4bgCyzwJ3eTbwtzqw79B3JeJa-s/w211-h640/YofP12_01.png" width="211" /></a></div></div></div><div><div>It's been a minute since my last blog post, huh? So many things happened - some good and some bad - but life's like that, right? But I'm still here and I'm still knitting, so I'm rejoining my virtual knitting friends and picking up my blog where I left off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today marks the first day of the first week of the Year of Projects - a Ravelry Group of like-minded knitters trying to set goals for the year ahead and find motivation to finish those projects. For this year, my plan is to finish the projects I have on the go and then work though more of the yarn I have on hand. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>First project: Kroy Turquoise Stripes socks.</b> I picked up the yarn at Michaels and started these socks a few weeks ago. The yarn is really nice. Lately I've been finding a lot of sock yarns are thinner than I'd like, but not this one, it's just perfect. And what lovely colours!My plan is to knit monogamously on these socks until they're done. I'm knitting toe-up vanilla socks so it's mindless TV knitting. And I decided to knit toe-up so that I can carry on until all the yarn is gone. The last thing I need are more sock yarn scraps!<p></p><p></p><p><b>Second and third projects: Purple socks, two pairs.</b><b> </b>I received two skeins of sock yarn as a gift last year and thought I might like to combine them in a scrappy lengthwise scarf. But honestly, I'm finding the result disappointing. The new plan is to frog the scarf and knit socks instead. </p><p></p><p>The variegated purple will be some very plain ribbed socks. It's too busy a yarn for much pattern - maybe something like "<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solace-6" target="_blank">Solace</a>" by Anne Fletcher? Or maybe even simpler than that?</p><p>The solid purple yarn is definitely intended for a fancy pattern. Maybe "<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pastiche-4" target="_blank">Pastiche</a>" or "<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/clerestory" target="_blank">Clerestory</a>" by Makenzie Alvarez? I'm definitely feeling drawn to architectural types of patterns these days!</p><p></p><p><b>Fourth project: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/volturi-palace-socks" target="_blank">Volturi Palace</a> Socks</b>. These were started more than a year ago and I have since misplaced them - hence no photo. The two colours of yarn are from Shelridge Farms - natural and mulberry colours. If I don't happen across this project in the next couple of weeks, then a closet clean up is in order. I remember them being a very satisfy, not altogether vanilla knit.</p><p></p><div>Also on the list in no particular order: </div><div><br /></div><div>• I was given the book <a href="https://briggsandlittle.com/product/saltwater-mittens/" target="_blank">Saltwater Mittens</a> for my birthday last year, as well as the necessary Briggs & Little yarn. In the colder months at the beginning of the year I found myself really enjoying knitting these colourful mitts and completed three pairs in succession. I'd like to work through more of the patterns, although perhaps waiting until after the heat of summer is passed.</div><div><br /></div><div>• I'd like to work through more sock yarn scraps using patterns like "<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/color-palette-socks-2" target="_blank">Color Palette Socks</a>" by Laura Moorats. It's always to see how the scraps play together!</div><p></p><p>• I have a quantity of Butterfly Cotton (DK) in burgundy that I'm considering for a summer top like "<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ardea" target="_blank">Ardea</a>" by Ksenia Naidyon </p><p>See you next week!</p></div><div></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-79067822436688330422018-11-04T08:48:00.000-05:002018-11-04T08:55:16.919-05:00Year of Project 8: Week 19<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
I've had lots to say about how little I'm enjoying knitting <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny" target="_blank">Feny Socks</a>...</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love working a long provisional cast on</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love knitting flat</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love reading charts back and forth rather than in the round</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love that much purling</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love long stretches of colour work</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love grafting long seams</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love picking up stitches from patterned side edges</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love knitting on circular needles</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love cutting yarn and restarting at a different spot over and over again</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
... I don't love investing that much time and effort without being able to test the fit of the sock</div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<b>BUT </b><b>THE SOCK FITS AND IT'S GORGEOUS!</b></div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc2-_Ixi1jSU8yHWlp0uOtoV91y66OTeW8SzooqOxlW01YSSZgX6xjA707LBTFCyYFtcfMV9y8wt1NUtfe_EwfgAiWBLZ5144tAJN3QnDn3DMsnCR29CBVP5M2TLUyKj3JcJI-ouFbhA/s1600/Feny_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPc2-_Ixi1jSU8yHWlp0uOtoV91y66OTeW8SzooqOxlW01YSSZgX6xjA707LBTFCyYFtcfMV9y8wt1NUtfe_EwfgAiWBLZ5144tAJN3QnDn3DMsnCR29CBVP5M2TLUyKj3JcJI-ouFbhA/s320/Feny_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
So I <b><i>will</i></b> finish both socks, as painful as that may be. Admittedly I procrastinated throughout sock one but now I'm re-energized and hope to get the pair done in the next couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
I had originally planned to knit the first sock with brown as the MC and blue as the CC, then knit sock two with the colours reversed. That way, I reasoned, I have the same amount of each colour left over to do Double Heelix Socks. Instead Gavin is laying claim to these socks, and he does NOT want opposite socks, so matching socks they will be. I'll just have to see if I have anything else in stash that will work for Double Heelix.<br />
<br />
Last week I also cast on Bill Huggins Socks, but after working one repeat of the woven pattern at the top of the leg I decided that I wasn't loving the pattern so that's been ripped out and the pattern removed from my list.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTK4rdjrsBH_Y9RNT-214f6YmHqrjrB4DeSSNVFc2ZoM5ZePwbO_f83KLnnv92cHWgnR0M4Z6a-R-GPYo7QpjVC13T9UR2g_1CNODDcaD251P4itrtozG2Fqfj9md6Es0N7mTdYnaqhIQ/s1600/Diamondback_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTK4rdjrsBH_Y9RNT-214f6YmHqrjrB4DeSSNVFc2ZoM5ZePwbO_f83KLnnv92cHWgnR0M4Z6a-R-GPYo7QpjVC13T9UR2g_1CNODDcaD251P4itrtozG2Fqfj9md6Es0N7mTdYnaqhIQ/s320/Diamondback_01.JPG" width="320" /></a>This morning I opened another paper bag to reveal my November Paper Bag Project - it's Songbird Yarn & Fibres Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird for Diamondback Socks. I won't cast on at least until I've finished my Feny Socks. I still have to finish my Nain socks too but there's no deadline for those!</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWGLaL1EAnLNH_Alp9YyugSlSPmrePl623UHOzkzaxcScan9j1pkHx4efUnfH3KiRV_JrXjtxDKOcGYeS_6H1TdqdH7qsLp51D0FyrHNPcK1xewYLZTgx2zrRAyGKZ-2gW3W60i5gb30/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #003366; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock" style="color: #003366;">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere" style="color: #003366;">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<strike><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps</strike><br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix" style="color: #003366;">Double Heelix Socks</a> - <strike>using leftovers from Feny Socks</strike><br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-2568585590161070522018-10-28T12:43:00.000-04:002018-10-28T12:43:40.064-04:00Year of Projects 8: Week 18<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZWr_be26bmOJNYTC6nXSYx4VyKECJjOE0aPlobU2U7VLjmL1KvJ9Q-KRzok_lcq7uQnKAg9KXijydv6DT3XSHbdUPZ4AuBRxHfEXfPOK9btxd52yOTVcEPPQwzHpV1xEy-r9Pp2vTuU/s1600/IMG_2607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZWr_be26bmOJNYTC6nXSYx4VyKECJjOE0aPlobU2U7VLjmL1KvJ9Q-KRzok_lcq7uQnKAg9KXijydv6DT3XSHbdUPZ4AuBRxHfEXfPOK9btxd52yOTVcEPPQwzHpV1xEy-r9Pp2vTuU/s320/IMG_2607.jpg" width="320" /></a>My focus lately has been my <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny" target="_blank">Feny Socks</a> for my October 2018 Paper Bag Project, but nothing about this has been easy.<br />
<br />
First it was the needles. The sock is knitted flat from the top of the leg to the end of the instep, working around the leg. My sock needles are not nearly long enough for that many stitches (107) so I definitely needed the recommended circular needle.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwwPPjHwB4ccvkYjk1ctYYOpXyhWee2_lQ3jyuXMkP28C8XFD9hlhq4cBhq1uKwGS5GULvBGmI0uss1bs6YpfVbsHM5xxE2SWTo9a9YpYEDkcTM9A9CBzjvwpLxsVvJH_Pi_ZjXJDKCU/s1600/IMG_2595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwwPPjHwB4ccvkYjk1ctYYOpXyhWee2_lQ3jyuXMkP28C8XFD9hlhq4cBhq1uKwGS5GULvBGmI0uss1bs6YpfVbsHM5xxE2SWTo9a9YpYEDkcTM9A9CBzjvwpLxsVvJH_Pi_ZjXJDKCU/s320/IMG_2595.jpg" width="320" /></a>I balked at ordering the needle online - I didn't want to pay for shipping and I wanted to see and feel the needles before I shelled out for them. I checked Lens Mill Store in Port Dover but the quality of the needles put me off - I don't love knitting on circs, and I absolutely a with abhor blunt needles with clumsy joins. I struck out for the same reasons at Wal-Mart. I had high hopes at Michael's Arts and Crafts but the clerk explained that they were in the process of switching suppliers and had no sock sizes available and no sign of that changing any time soon.<br />
<br />
After a couple of weeks wasting time on a hunt for needles I gave in and bought Addi Turbo Sock Rockets at the lys - the Needle Emporium. They were waaaaay more money than I was hoping to spend, but at least knitting with this circ is as pleasant as can be. So imagine my reaction when I reached the pattern instructions that directed me to divide the stitches, placing a number on a second circ with further instructions for the third circ. NO. Just. NO. Even if I have to use waste yarn to hold stitches here and there, I just will not shell out for 2 more circular needles. I guess I should have read the materials list more carefully. GAH!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSdWoIcgx0iU2YjyMjqr_VrwADuzk3WG_6dyfPcXK9OND6ATB-JY0HSJSGPEn2pH30UD10mZUqnG8u55MVSZKW5z590S8VHfD1uOoO6Sq9Rjj5WRrpcrH3_gX-W3kz1Yx33L5t14u898/s1600/IMG_2598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSdWoIcgx0iU2YjyMjqr_VrwADuzk3WG_6dyfPcXK9OND6ATB-JY0HSJSGPEn2pH30UD10mZUqnG8u55MVSZKW5z590S8VHfD1uOoO6Sq9Rjj5WRrpcrH3_gX-W3kz1Yx33L5t14u898/s320/IMG_2598.jpg" width="320" /></a>All in all it's been a tough slog with this sock... I don't love knitting flat... I don't love reading charts back and forth rather than in the round... I don't love long stretches of colour work... and I don't love knitting on circular needles. All the while the construction of this sock makes it a complete mystery as to whether these socks will even fit.<br />
<br />
As of this morning I'm 1/3rd of the way into the final repeat of the chart after which I graft the leg together into a tube and pick up stitches for the heel and the bottom of the foot. Which is to say, I should know soon whether the sock will fit or not. Obviously I'm hoping that the fit is perfect and that it's enough to re-energize me to complete the first sock and work the second sock. Geez, I hope so, otherwise I'm not quite sure what I'll do!<br />
<br />
In the meantime I did finish my Christmas Monster socks using the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> pattern. The Instagram KAL wraps up October 31st, so that's my final entry for <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. The socks are very fun and were a great way to finish up a bunch of sock yarn scraps. You know, I think I might like scrap socks more than anything else!</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<br />
And yep, <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Nain</a> has still been ignored!<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWGLaL1EAnLNH_Alp9YyugSlSPmrePl623UHOzkzaxcScan9j1pkHx4efUnfH3KiRV_JrXjtxDKOcGYeS_6H1TdqdH7qsLp51D0FyrHNPcK1xewYLZTgx2zrRAyGKZ-2gW3W60i5gb30/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #003366; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock" style="color: #003366;">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere" style="color: #003366;">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix" style="color: #003366;">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-22285312333787354762018-10-07T10:56:00.001-04:002018-10-28T12:45:38.762-04:00Year of Projects 8: Week 15<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NHCSKeoSTv_lM9bZOxh52QLm0SVodPRx9UotOA0L79FT1-xcuFcPTt3F4wSbB3DoKj67aZBI9W99VkKUJ8z8WIS7T0V9ymv9YeDWS14WZaLJTQ6I46XqQ0yPCipcg6xtsq_Wn61pIsQ/s1600/2018PBP_October_Feny_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NHCSKeoSTv_lM9bZOxh52QLm0SVodPRx9UotOA0L79FT1-xcuFcPTt3F4wSbB3DoKj67aZBI9W99VkKUJ8z8WIS7T0V9ymv9YeDWS14WZaLJTQ6I46XqQ0yPCipcg6xtsq_Wn61pIsQ/s320/2018PBP_October_Feny_01.jpg" width="320" /></a>This past Monday I pulled a paper bag from the diminishing pile to find the yarn for <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny" target="_blank">Feny Socks</a> as my October 2018 Paper Bag Project. These socks promise to be interesting - the legs and insteps are worked flat in Mosaic colourwork starting from provisional cast ons, grafted into tubes and then joined with cuffs, heels and toes worked in the round.<br />
<br />
I'm eager to get started however I don't have the needles I need! My shorty sock DPNS won't cut it for this. I checked Amazon however I am loathe to pay as much as the needles are worth in shipping. Instead I'm trying to give some thought to when a purchasing opportunity may coincide with my schedule next week. There's a Lens Mill Store in Port Dover - that might be do-able as the KIA needs an oil change at the dealership in Port Dover. Also there's a Wal-Mart in Simcoe that I drive past on my drive to and from the cat rescue, so that's my back-up idea.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hz-46U-JZAVc4Tn57brqcwYTInNIkOHuEjhWokmBSd1cpc-KXh13BxyZG0FYsQbVUn3JSZlYvS8awTbusyyBWiHNGGibD3x6u_rWofD6PAJB8ZxMEH8gnoXFKrLvnDBcJqlftDx0W0M/s1600/ChristmasMonsters_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hz-46U-JZAVc4Tn57brqcwYTInNIkOHuEjhWokmBSd1cpc-KXh13BxyZG0FYsQbVUn3JSZlYvS8awTbusyyBWiHNGGibD3x6u_rWofD6PAJB8ZxMEH8gnoXFKrLvnDBcJqlftDx0W0M/s320/ChristmasMonsters_02.jpg" width="320" /></a>After knitting scraps for the last several weeks I'm also excited about casting on this gorgeous Jawoll sock yarn. I just love both these colours and I hope I love them just as much in combination. In general I have to guard against overly conservative matchy-matchy colour choices, so here I've tried to make sure I have lots of contrast.<br />
<br />
Inspired by @danaraeknits' Christmas themed Monster Socks in greens and reds, I've pulled red, green and white yarn scraps and cast on. I'm using the pattern <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a>, and WOW is this brilliant for using scraps! You carry three different yarns throughout the leg and instep, but each yarn is knit across a needle (or two) until you meet the next yarn - no stranding, no fuss, no bother. The result is these perfect stripes in three colours. How festive is that! I had been considering buying some Christmas themed sock yarn but these socks have entirely satisfied that urge. Who knew that such a festive pair of socks was hiding amongst my scraps?<br />
<br />
I'm using Russian joins to connect one scrap to another so there won't be a dreadful amount of finishing at the end. I expect to squeak out a pair before running short of white and red, so these festive socks won't be repeated. After knitting the section around the heel I decided to eliminate that red yarn from the remainder of these socks... it's somewhat thicker than the other sock yarns and as a result is overwhelming the white and green that its knit with. I'm leaving it as knit - these are, after all, Monster Socks and que sera, sera.<br />
<br />
We're headed to my sister's place later today for a Thanksgiving dinner, so I hope to complete the first sock and start the second on the car ride back and forth. I expect to be knitting these monogamously, at least until I find needles for Feny. The KAL continues until October 31st. Just pick your scraps or minis and post with the hashtag <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. </div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<br />
Poor <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Nain</a>! Still ignored!<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWGLaL1EAnLNH_Alp9YyugSlSPmrePl623UHOzkzaxcScan9j1pkHx4efUnfH3KiRV_JrXjtxDKOcGYeS_6H1TdqdH7qsLp51D0FyrHNPcK1xewYLZTgx2zrRAyGKZ-2gW3W60i5gb30/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #003366; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock" style="color: #003366;">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere" style="color: #003366;">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix" style="color: #003366;">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); clear: both; color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-69044712772386747662018-09-30T12:03:00.002-04:002018-10-28T12:45:28.363-04:00Year of Projects 8: Week 14<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #003366; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16.6023006439209px; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</h3>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2Nzk3b2wXkdTmMeieaSYUePAwXIjge1CQEgXJULsKF6FDRVKZngSRVjrxd4rEEIKqVYqJiv8vQ41riSSF4dhglVe1s6WQ9gmsHQ9rm8uwE9GuhwNbLV7nUbvAPOW8Ta4S5O3dWYCV2U/s1600/41522222_648261738900875_977794080695147073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody">
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci_gaapk32NJEkTr6KBlXxhYcVVa8gKU3iY7Im-jtgDTm5OMMIgusQ1hnxtf4b2q4DGvznEm7MDZxUhPQrwPVMyAF3htC_0qN9dc3c7dV3QRHWBPrgMhWsFkppcu8vwnzRu9Z9CwO_b0/s1600/42003310_317351525481765_2558712130897723235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci_gaapk32NJEkTr6KBlXxhYcVVa8gKU3iY7Im-jtgDTm5OMMIgusQ1hnxtf4b2q4DGvznEm7MDZxUhPQrwPVMyAF3htC_0qN9dc3c7dV3QRHWBPrgMhWsFkppcu8vwnzRu9Z9CwO_b0/s1600/42003310_317351525481765_2558712130897723235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci_gaapk32NJEkTr6KBlXxhYcVVa8gKU3iY7Im-jtgDTm5OMMIgusQ1hnxtf4b2q4DGvznEm7MDZxUhPQrwPVMyAF3htC_0qN9dc3c7dV3QRHWBPrgMhWsFkppcu8vwnzRu9Z9CwO_b0/s1600/42003310_317351525481765_2558712130897723235_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2Nzk3b2wXkdTmMeieaSYUePAwXIjge1CQEgXJULsKF6FDRVKZngSRVjrxd4rEEIKqVYqJiv8vQ41riSSF4dhglVe1s6WQ9gmsHQ9rm8uwE9GuhwNbLV7nUbvAPOW8Ta4S5O3dWYCV2U/s1600/41522222_648261738900875_977794080695147073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2Nzk3b2wXkdTmMeieaSYUePAwXIjge1CQEgXJULsKF6FDRVKZngSRVjrxd4rEEIKqVYqJiv8vQ41riSSF4dhglVe1s6WQ9gmsHQ9rm8uwE9GuhwNbLV7nUbvAPOW8Ta4S5O3dWYCV2U/s1600/41522222_648261738900875_977794080695147073_n.jpg" /></a><br />
Last week I finished my Test Knit Socks, and now the pattern has been published... introducing <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/crossbuck-socks" target="_blank">Crossbuck Socks</a>!<br />
<br />
This week I finished my Autumn themed Monster Socks for the Instagram KAL <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. When I started with these socks I wasn't really sure about the colours individually or in combination, but adding bright contrasting stripes has done the trick so I'm happy with them now that they're done. There's something so satisfying about using up scraps. Most of the yarns used came from scraps that were 50 grams or less. And at least three of the yarns were entirely used up with these socks. I love that!<br />
<br />
As I mentioned last week, I was inspired by @danaraeknits' Christmas themed Monster Socks in greens and reds so I've dug through my scraps and pulled out some likely looking yarns. If you are thinking Wow, that's a lot of yarn... way more than needed for one pair of scrappy socks, you are entirely right. By weight there's enough there for about a half dozen socks, but I'm not much of one for repeating the same pattern so let's just plan on one pair for now. For these socks I'm going to use the pattern <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a>. My plan is to cast on today and hopefully get through the cuff and into the leg patterning. </div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody">
The KAL continues until October 31st. Just pick your scraps or minis and post with the hashtag <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. That's all there is to it!<br />
<br />
My <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Nain</a> remain ignored for now. Tomorrow morning I'll be selecting and opening another bag for my 2018 Paper Bag Project. That and the Christmas Monster socks will share priority for the next couple of weeks. Poor Nain!<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWGLaL1EAnLNH_Alp9YyugSlSPmrePl623UHOzkzaxcScan9j1pkHx4efUnfH3KiRV_JrXjtxDKOcGYeS_6H1TdqdH7qsLp51D0FyrHNPcK1xewYLZTgx2zrRAyGKZ-2gW3W60i5gb30/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #003366; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock" style="color: #003366;">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny" style="color: #003366;">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere" style="color: #003366;">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix" style="color: #003366;">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody">
<br /></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5207182875258084891" itemprop="description articleBody">
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-52071828752580848912018-09-23T17:12:00.001-04:002018-10-28T12:45:16.774-04:00Year of Projects 8: Week 13<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv1jVnr-dF-KIEDD14mU50jbFBUmvn-mZidicPOo8SdN9ElgSfb96a_MpJ8LVQQJX2Ds_n8N7zSyqlVFEYX7DHQKpGLnNZxRc2KG7VfuLZqTy9VEe1XmairfjKwgysFOQiE5WlUiL7cM/s1600/TestKnit_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWv1jVnr-dF-KIEDD14mU50jbFBUmvn-mZidicPOo8SdN9ElgSfb96a_MpJ8LVQQJX2Ds_n8N7zSyqlVFEYX7DHQKpGLnNZxRc2KG7VfuLZqTy9VEe1XmairfjKwgysFOQiE5WlUiL7cM/s320/TestKnit_12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNNn0lToHAvnnZHa1tODikjrkwDOt3AHZcCHm9BMT0DeoSXPr91vsAIvU0Wt67zmTAcKR0Vv8rQ-SGXwMVi__HQC56GxfLntvAN3viI3Pbw5i7E9m7JyOs4sNbq09kwj2crxRdylxPMI/s1600/TestKnit_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNNn0lToHAvnnZHa1tODikjrkwDOt3AHZcCHm9BMT0DeoSXPr91vsAIvU0Wt67zmTAcKR0Vv8rQ-SGXwMVi__HQC56GxfLntvAN3viI3Pbw5i7E9m7JyOs4sNbq09kwj2crxRdylxPMI/s320/TestKnit_11.jpg" width="320" /></a>My top priority for last week was to finish my Test Knit Socks, and happily they were finished a few days before the testing period ended. I expect that the pattern will be updated and published later this week; I'll provide a link once it's "live". In the meantime I can share my finished photos. There is an interesting leg chart with slipped stitch cables in two colours and then the rest is a waffle stitch rib which makes for a very nicely fitting sock. I'm quite happy with how they turned out, although the variegated red is a bit loud!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWGLaL1EAnLNH_Alp9YyugSlSPmrePl623UHOzkzaxcScan9j1pkHx4efUnfH3KiRV_JrXjtxDKOcGYeS_6H1TdqdH7qsLp51D0FyrHNPcK1xewYLZTgx2zrRAyGKZ-2gW3W60i5gb30/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWGLaL1EAnLNH_Alp9YyugSlSPmrePl623UHOzkzaxcScan9j1pkHx4efUnfH3KiRV_JrXjtxDKOcGYeS_6H1TdqdH7qsLp51D0FyrHNPcK1xewYLZTgx2zrRAyGKZ-2gW3W60i5gb30/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" /></a>My second priority - my Instagram KAL <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. - also saw some progress. My first sock is done and I'm approaching the heel section on the second sock. Completing this pair will be my main focus for the coming week. Fortunately most of the colour changes were effected using <a href="http://knitting russian join" target="_blank">Russian joins</a> so there aren't many ends to weave in.<br />
<br />
While scrolling through projects from other participants on Instagram, I came across a "Christmas" pair in greens and reds from @danaraeknits. I love this idea, so I might just make a Christmas pair of my own after this "Autumn" pair are done. If you're on instagram you're welcome to join up. The KAL continues until October 31st. Just pick your scraps or minis and post with the hashtag <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. That's all there is to it!<br />
<br />
My <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> socks have once again been completely ignored. I'm starting to feel guilty so I hope to pay some attention to them in the coming week as well. We've shifted abruptly into fall weather so knitting wool socks rather than bamboo now holds more appeal. The Nain socks are definitely summer socks and not fall socks. Never mind though, they're pretty and they need to be finished!<br />
<br />
And I can hardly believe that we're nearly to the end of September! Where does the time go? Come October 1st I'll be opening another bag for my 2018 Paper Bag Project. Any of the remaining three projects is more complicated than vanilla socks, so I'm looking forward to something a bit challenging.<br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;" />
<u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWGLaL1EAnLNH_Alp9YyugSlSPmrePl623UHOzkzaxcScan9j1pkHx4efUnfH3KiRV_JrXjtxDKOcGYeS_6H1TdqdH7qsLp51D0FyrHNPcK1xewYLZTgx2zrRAyGKZ-2gW3W60i5gb30/s1600/IMG_2567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock" style="color: #003366;">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny" style="color: #003366;">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
Test Knit Socks - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere" style="color: #003366;">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix" style="color: #003366;">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-61160276478390888222018-09-16T12:08:00.000-04:002018-10-28T12:45:07.876-04:00Year of Project 8: Week 12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO4PxCC_EgwjoQqtu8DUVBmCB_WT0HqggiFfYl3D3vE-61A4R-AdhXG6zIeWdIK6YmP7TtU9Xzp12F26pbrJ1KhsIV0pxb8aYt_P5Kk0MAkBtRFp8kdvRJdSZ5Ixy0CdOu5oKkSxfAtE/s1600/CrossbuckSock_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO4PxCC_EgwjoQqtu8DUVBmCB_WT0HqggiFfYl3D3vE-61A4R-AdhXG6zIeWdIK6YmP7TtU9Xzp12F26pbrJ1KhsIV0pxb8aYt_P5Kk0MAkBtRFp8kdvRJdSZ5Ixy0CdOu5oKkSxfAtE/s320/CrossbuckSock_03.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last weekend we returned from a few days in New Hampshire, but rather than posting I spent my time on Saturday and Sunday tidying, doing laundry and catching up on work. Things have been busy and hot to the detriment of my knitting progress.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-9ZHIW2Yi7DbucTtAvL4jh_-0TST0C36wCT-pSFvGnKBTh67yDJ5MiiZ3M-vEYRDJkmS4LcZm5ndDDZnCM7senUM3ZK7RrJYNQwE_1NA3Sufo_0q-2AXJBvm0Te4ACUvzM6c6TZSNGY/s1600/MonsterSock_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-9ZHIW2Yi7DbucTtAvL4jh_-0TST0C36wCT-pSFvGnKBTh67yDJ5MiiZ3M-vEYRDJkmS4LcZm5ndDDZnCM7senUM3ZK7RrJYNQwE_1NA3Sufo_0q-2AXJBvm0Te4ACUvzM6c6TZSNGY/s320/MonsterSock_02.jpg" width="320" /></a>Although I split the driving with Gavin, and I was required to pay attention to road signs and directions while in the passenger seat, I did get make some headway with the test knit socks. The first (left) sock is done and the second (right) sock is mostly done... I just need to finish the foot and work the toe. The patterning is subtly different from right sock to left sock so the designer has asked that both be knit at least past the heel turn before the end of the testing period on September 21st. I'm further than that already so my plan is to complete the pair and provide modelled photos before the end of the test period. That will be my focus over the next few days.<br />
<br />
There's some progress too on my Instagram KAL <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. Although I wasn't loving the sock when I was randomly mixing browns and bits of orange into mainly yellows, after adding a series of brighter stripes I'm happier with it now. The FLK heel has been completed and now I'm onto the leg of the first sock. This will take over as my main focus once the test knit socks are complete. If you're on instagram you're welcome to join up. Just pick your scraps or minis and post with the hashtag <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. That's all there is to it!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJULrelknF5NI_MTHcOdVf9I5Hkt8wh4j15Js28cIS6DwJAvXCJQPVbaS2moD_-TfjT_amxC_fKGbq_qVXdF6UtLKQ7ITVaVww_1TLm97q7jiH4szZhodLRe5r7pBR94dCJ3EaCEP0yk/s1600/NH_Sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJULrelknF5NI_MTHcOdVf9I5Hkt8wh4j15Js28cIS6DwJAvXCJQPVbaS2moD_-TfjT_amxC_fKGbq_qVXdF6UtLKQ7ITVaVww_1TLm97q7jiH4szZhodLRe5r7pBR94dCJ3EaCEP0yk/s320/NH_Sunrise.jpg" width="320" /></a>My <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> socks have been completely ignored. They're going to remain on the back burner until the other socks are done and off the needles, after which I can give them my undivided attention.<br />
<br />
New Hampshire was beautiful as evidenced by this drone photo Gavin took of a sunrise at the ocean. Of course he's used HDR setting and tweaked the vibrance, but lovely still. We spent most of our time in the ocean or in the pool to escape from the crazy heat. Cell coverage was sparse to non-existent and the motel's wifi was very poor, so the vacation was restful and unplugged. Unfortunately we timed things poorly and Gavin didn't get much surfing in... the storms and hurricanes were making their way up the coast after we left.<br />
<br />
When I returned from New Hampshire I started volunteering one morning a week at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/754419531235013/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdxXrx-5Qy0gWHkztzk6K2fA3FDsuXJUEOH7QE4zernoSw%3AAdzpZuyHwGEj1qNPoDRCEZ2GjVaCifT7Gv3Lx8LL0YPLhg" target="_blank">a local cat shelter</a>. It sounds more fun than it is - in my four hours a week I spend about three hours and 58 minutes scooping out cat litter boxes... sweeping, washing and disinfecting kennels... washing out and refilling food and water bowls... there's always more that needs doing, so just a scant few minutes a week are actually spent playing with cats. Still, I feel good about doing it and it's nice to get out and meet some new people, so it's well worth the time and effort as far as I'm concerned. At any given time there appear to be about 60 cats and kittens at the shelter and many more in foster care. And so far it looks like about 10 cats a week are adopted and another 10 or more are rescued or surrendered. If only more people would spay or neuter their cats!<br />
<br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;" />
<u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock" style="color: #003366;">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny" style="color: #003366;">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
Test Knit Socks - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere" style="color: #003366;">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix" style="color: #003366;">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplQ9og9wgxS-Tf7WLJUe2I6NhQNJ4QUt9BSm4zJWqpUqL0P_0oZUAaXXj6eX1OSMw6HBlwnADJaSnHflQusGp5B4EUzkD2opcakPuZ08o69tJ3r5F7xutZ-yPgV-fHbBkTwTolV7BGiA/s1600/Kittens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplQ9og9wgxS-Tf7WLJUe2I6NhQNJ4QUt9BSm4zJWqpUqL0P_0oZUAaXXj6eX1OSMw6HBlwnADJaSnHflQusGp5B4EUzkD2opcakPuZ08o69tJ3r5F7xutZ-yPgV-fHbBkTwTolV7BGiA/s640/Kittens.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-90541346535671979322018-09-02T11:51:00.001-04:002018-10-28T12:44:45.254-04:00Year of Projects 8 - Week 10<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyVahHUsYX04i6b0kn9pO8JmBbI3LsADGc28thLmg3ncyanRQku6xq5JKKivTbiQwM5LeoQsEkv8T21LHCQFu74-N_fmHH8cxO2qvDgjzU8So2_Nrr0i0RcXVR_U9OwXz3ggnTYZDpZk/s1600/TestKnit_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyVahHUsYX04i6b0kn9pO8JmBbI3LsADGc28thLmg3ncyanRQku6xq5JKKivTbiQwM5LeoQsEkv8T21LHCQFu74-N_fmHH8cxO2qvDgjzU8So2_Nrr0i0RcXVR_U9OwXz3ggnTYZDpZk/s320/TestKnit_01.jpg" width="320" /></a>As planned on the first of September I pulled a paper bag for my 2018 Paper Bag Project and tore it open to find a caked skein of variegated red yarn - no surprise there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8hH5tnDfU1Ba-acccT42m3gEvDEHyZS4gySKcQQOkeCZSy3TcpT5RqJEszOjUp9XFVjOVE2kiPTnnT8mdu33id8frG76C6FYeCARIplTuTXJgngkvwIBO9QrEElgwxEnxhNCVDrhctE/s1600/MonsterSock_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8hH5tnDfU1Ba-acccT42m3gEvDEHyZS4gySKcQQOkeCZSy3TcpT5RqJEszOjUp9XFVjOVE2kiPTnnT8mdu33id8frG76C6FYeCARIplTuTXJgngkvwIBO9QrEElgwxEnxhNCVDrhctE/s320/MonsterSock_01.jpg" width="320" /></a>Without delay I cast on a test knit for a designer through The Testing Pool group on Ravelry. I've knit the cuff, the colour work/cable section that tops the leg and made a start on the waffle rib that comprises the balance of the sock. I had worried that the red would be too busy for the pattern, but I think it looks fine. The waffle rib is very simple making these socks ideal travel knitting for our road trip to New Hampshire next week. With any luck I'll have them completed by the end of next week. 10 hours there and 10 hours back in the car should give me plenty of knitting time. And nowadays the GPS takes care of the directions; I don't have to watch road signs and follow along with the map book.<br />
<br />
On the spur of the moment I also signed up for an Instagram KAL <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. I've cast on and made a start using a bunch of yellow/beige/brown/orange scraps from stash but I'm finding the combination very meh. So much for my vision of a subtle shifting autumn colour feel! Now I'm trying to decide what to do about it. This morning I pulled out some really bright orange, bright red and light natural scraps from stash with the idea that they will brighten it all up and break up the same-same yellowy-brown-ness. I'll knit another inch to introduce the new colours and then make a decision after that. If I still hate it then I'll rip it out and go with brightly coloured stripes instead. The KAL runs until Halloween (October 31st) so there's no rush.<br />
<br />
If you're on instagram you're welcome to join up. Just pick your scraps or minis and post with the hashtag <b>#monstersockkal2018</b>. That's all there is to it!<br />
<br />
My <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> socks weren't completely ignored either. I hope to finish sock one before we leave for our road trip on Tuesday morning. With a forecast of unending rain punctuated by the occasional thunderstorm I expect that lots of knitting will get done through the rest of this long weekend. Whatever happens Nain won't be coming along on the trip - it requires constant attention to the chart, and with all those yarn overs and twisted stitches I don't think it'd be very forgiving of any dropped stitches or errors from inattention. I'd better just leave that in my knitting basket until I get back!<br />
<br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;" />
<u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.869999885559082px;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock" style="color: #003366;">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny" style="color: #003366;">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
Test Knit Socks - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere" style="color: #003366;">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix" style="color: #003366;">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours</div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-86197855610617972922018-08-26T11:16:00.000-04:002018-10-28T12:44:22.268-04:00Year of Projects 8 - Week 09<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zV17Ye5Wa-VtwTxPiwIutLto6w7jdJRu4Te7G9ymq-g_4TvRkkLsbJWiqBIyPBNxuCxJZKmg4a9teS4XK8lopSEm-caOgrf6wPCcb1oCe6jiDczVz-gtrRjbG8EjM2AsjfGmk1z4kik/s1600/VenetianBlinds_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zV17Ye5Wa-VtwTxPiwIutLto6w7jdJRu4Te7G9ymq-g_4TvRkkLsbJWiqBIyPBNxuCxJZKmg4a9teS4XK8lopSEm-caOgrf6wPCcb1oCe6jiDczVz-gtrRjbG8EjM2AsjfGmk1z4kik/s320/VenetianBlinds_05.jpg" width="320" /></a>After ripping back and restarting the heel of the second <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venetian-blinds" target="_blank">Venetian Blinds</a> sock, I got on a roll and finished the pair. I was able to squeak out an opposite but matching sock two with a scant few yards remaining. Although my plan involved knitting toe up so that I could weigh my starting yarn and calculate exactly where to bind off in order to maximize efficiency, that plan was derailed when I forgot to weigh the yarn at the very beginning. Luck was with me though; i wouldn't have done much better by calculation!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe34DQv4_TWJOzJVKiDgCZKFdwNTQRd7FEf-6elPGq_5VwDThK3sjEYHuegLKcs7o4i56xHR8qMBYXY4SqcDRvjb_qoL6_r3ObRUwjR3cdgNTI0XSctstl9D86MF4MiJJt17OKys2H7c/s1600/VenetianBlinds_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe34DQv4_TWJOzJVKiDgCZKFdwNTQRd7FEf-6elPGq_5VwDThK3sjEYHuegLKcs7o4i56xHR8qMBYXY4SqcDRvjb_qoL6_r3ObRUwjR3cdgNTI0XSctstl9D86MF4MiJJt17OKys2H7c/s320/VenetianBlinds_04.jpg" width="320" /></a>They are lovely finished socks, despite all those ends to weave in! A fellow Raveller remarked about the colour combo looking "beach" which I can totally see. Both are muted shades but there's still enough contrast for the graduated stripes to pop out. The Shelridge 80/20 Merino yarn is quite smooth and nicely twisted so the stitch definition is very good.<br />
<br />
So that's my Paper Bag Project for August complete. And that's me caught up in that group too. By this time next week I'll have selected my September bag and made a plan for that. I'm tempted to cheat and make sure it's that unknown red yarn as that would suit a test knit I've signed up for. I wouldn't even have to look since the remaining bags are so differently shaped that it's not too hard to guess what's inside. The fullest bag has 4 balls of Lang Jawoll Superwash. The emptiest bag has 2 balls of CoBaSi. The flattest bag has an uncaked skein of Songbird Fibers. Yeah, I think I'm gonna select the red yarn... and now it seems almost silly to wait until August 31st but rules are rules.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ6lpq4Y38Vx8jfAOY8l5Zc8gm4zIgyS4H_-v72iYKCv9qc5nSqET_TaFXst5EAObhEJ4UgcrxIfesHnQKQjkhbn1Ll-0MYn_pr00B1WN_IBQJqUvH6aBut04ZfMyKrSFlddiE_DcXKQ/s1600/Nain_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJ6lpq4Y38Vx8jfAOY8l5Zc8gm4zIgyS4H_-v72iYKCv9qc5nSqET_TaFXst5EAObhEJ4UgcrxIfesHnQKQjkhbn1Ll-0MYn_pr00B1WN_IBQJqUvH6aBut04ZfMyKrSFlddiE_DcXKQ/s320/Nain_01.jpg" width="320" /></a>With nothing left on my needles, I went ahead and cast on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a>. The plan here is to use 90-95 grams of the remaining 160 grams of Dye-Version Stretch Bamboo Sock yarn from my stash, leaving myself enough scraps to knit some very colourful ankle socks to finish it all up. I've cast on the medium size (72 sts) and am working the leg on 2.5 mm needles. Based on the suggestions in the pattern and after reviewing other projects on Ravelry, I opted for a larger needle size than my usual for the leg. This pattern definitely bunches up and the fabric is somewhat contorted, so I think the larger needles are needed for ease. Even so, the leg looks quite small and the pattern is proving to be very yarn-hungry. That's okay - these are intended for a thin-legged, tiny-footed friend. Maybe by next week I'll have a completed sock for her to try?<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-68425922881241989972018-08-19T16:53:00.000-04:002018-10-28T12:44:11.342-04:00Year of Projects 8 - Week 08<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>... sock two should be easy enough with sock one under my belt</i></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhcNEIgZONZz9pxtkRuG_dcqMsiQesMUrcna3shWif-LBnNxgPns_LBXrVLw4EDLZdumXtHzh00DWpYVrYnPxVsvIsTkFGieMFZ0Xm_mqH5m8r-Xt_jfRA9xqDFLJdxuHtk-O5CVqKtI/s1600/VenetianBlinds_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhcNEIgZONZz9pxtkRuG_dcqMsiQesMUrcna3shWif-LBnNxgPns_LBXrVLw4EDLZdumXtHzh00DWpYVrYnPxVsvIsTkFGieMFZ0Xm_mqH5m8r-Xt_jfRA9xqDFLJdxuHtk-O5CVqKtI/s320/VenetianBlinds_03.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Yeah, I said that last week, as if to jinx myself. I was making good progress on my second <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venetian-blinds" target="_blank">Venetian Blinds</a> sock until I looked more closely at the heel cap and noticed that I was one stitch off across the left side resulting in an eye of partridge look rather than slipstitch rib look. I tried tinking back but it was so many rows back that it was just painful. So I tried to drop back on just those stitches without much luck. Next I tried to just rip back to the error, but I wasn't able to cleanly pick up and re-wrap the short row wraps. Splitty yarn, remember? That sock was then thrown into a corner while I tried to convince myself that I could live with some untidiness at the heel.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawmrfSYWzejMEvRKmnKtLZP1r61vA-uAKlma12TiODAanXdsgIxxUmCPSNfyaxEbduiuYyB5LZA9Z582wRSghMjIv7VJrNEgHyW0Vuo2AkCjRrW_-slHMnxfBpqX4Cg2M8f9F3BF_JnQ/s1600/MicrowaveThingys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawmrfSYWzejMEvRKmnKtLZP1r61vA-uAKlma12TiODAanXdsgIxxUmCPSNfyaxEbduiuYyB5LZA9Z582wRSghMjIv7VJrNEgHyW0Vuo2AkCjRrW_-slHMnxfBpqX4Cg2M8f9F3BF_JnQ/s320/MicrowaveThingys.jpg" width="320" /></a>Nope. I cannot live with untidiness at the heel. This morning I ripped all the way back to the gusset and started again.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I didn't have a very successful day yesterday.<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago at the local farmer's market I saw a woman selling Microwave Bowl Pot Holders. When I cook, I usually cook in quantities and then we microwave leftovers for days. And when we microwave the Corelle dishes even for a minute or two those dishes are crazy hot. We usually have to put a cold plate from the cupboard under our bowls to keep from burning ourselves. Microwave Bowl Pot Holders? That seems like a good idea to me.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8aTL2TWotMZD9rr9Y4CzIPLe2jDRdupxoQk7y3nefBtH8D9p6m_O2gi5MsMB1x6diyJcydbKL-dAxd8A3KZpUd8Ljtf09B0c2ZPkVI-FHfDas9z9UG2QmD_2uooVLs6LsWimS2BhyIw/s1600/TicTacToe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8aTL2TWotMZD9rr9Y4CzIPLe2jDRdupxoQk7y3nefBtH8D9p6m_O2gi5MsMB1x6diyJcydbKL-dAxd8A3KZpUd8Ljtf09B0c2ZPkVI-FHfDas9z9UG2QmD_2uooVLs6LsWimS2BhyIw/s320/TicTacToe.jpg" width="320" /></a>I could make those, I said to myself. I have a sewing machine and enough scraps of fabric to throw a couple together. After all, the <a href="http://www.seamshappy.com/2012/08/13/microwave-bowl-pot-holder/" target="_blank">instructions</a> do say they are "easy to make".<br />
<br />
I'll give my results a C-. They get a C because they are complete and functional. Also, I learned something that saved me from hacking apart my sewing machine with an axe - <a href="https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/fixing-bobbin-thread-bunching-looping-tangling-2978069" target="_blank">jammed bobbins are usually result from trouble in the upper threading of the machine</a>. I can't tell you how much time I lost opening the bobbin area, cleaning everything out, dusting, meticulously rethreading the bobbin, only to finally google it, rethread the upper section and have the problem solved.<br />
<br />
To be fair I am not an experienced sewer. I had hoped that some of my knitting skills would be transferrable... I was more careful in measuring, marking and pinning than I used to be. I am more circumspect in following instructions rather than winging it the way I used to. And I am more inclined to rip out a seam I'm not happy with to do it again.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, my seams are not very straight. My thread tension needs adjustment since my stitches aren't perfectly smooth. My corners don't line up perfectly. And my top-stitching looks drunken.<br />
<br />
All in all, the project took me more than two hours and ended up quite frustrating, so buying them at the market might have been the better solution. Let's chalk this up as a good practice at my sewing machine. I really need to take some lessons and get a firm grounding.<br />
<br />
I also made Salsa Verde. From Friday am to Saturday noon we had over 120mm of rain, with one particularly violent storm accompanied by heavy pounding rain that shredded my tomatillo plant. Rather than let the not-quite-ripe fruit go to waste, I decided to collect up all the fallen fruit to make a batch of <a href="https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/tomatillo_salsa_verde/" target="_blank">Salsa Verde</a>. It's not very good. Honestly it tastes more like cucumber relish than salsa. I didn't have enough tomatillos and they weren't ripe. I didn't have any jalapeños so I substituted with cherry bomb peppers. I didn't have any fresh cilantro so I substituted with those freezer cubes. There's no sugar at all in it, but it tastes sweet with a slightly hot aftertaste. Oh well. I like cucumber relish so I'll use up the three small bottles I made. Maybe it will be nice mixed with regular store-bought salsa?<br />
<br />
I did enjoy at least one success last week. I successfully scrubbed an upholstered chair that had been horribly stained with cat sick. Spot cleaning had failed and the chair looked appalling, so nothing ventured, nothing gained... I mixed a pail of dilute carpet cleaner, pulled on some rubber gloves and scrubbed from top to bottom. It looks like new!<br />
<br />
And Gavin made this gorgeous Tic Tac Toe game with a small piece of live edge Black Olive Wood that I had impulsively purchased at a reclaimed wood shop's open house. We've finished it with Tung Oil - sealing and hopefully preserving the live edge - and affixed a cork mat to the bottom. It looks really nice! A few more projects are in progress with the remaining wood. so I'm glad we've put it to use.<br />
<br />
The plan for this week is the same as last week: finish the Venetian Blinds Socks and start Nain.<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - August, September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venetian-blinds" target="_blank">Venetian Blinds Socks</a> - using Shelridge Yarns 80/20 Merino in Mint and Linen<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours</div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-31569270591927539902018-08-12T16:07:00.000-04:002018-10-28T12:43:55.489-04:00Year of Projects 8: Week 07<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctoBLR2B8V-peCNMpJRAXXmAa-CbUOP5qKdwUdfVZs74h2q9QU-Ejy_3jCBpeOwArYh7xPhfvRoqk4CQzLG2D42ekiSkzEgYzu08HddKOGMaFbBOXPqrvCy9tivb23YArp7efaPtGei0/s1600/VenetianBlinds_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctoBLR2B8V-peCNMpJRAXXmAa-CbUOP5qKdwUdfVZs74h2q9QU-Ejy_3jCBpeOwArYh7xPhfvRoqk4CQzLG2D42ekiSkzEgYzu08HddKOGMaFbBOXPqrvCy9tivb23YArp7efaPtGei0/s320/VenetianBlinds_01.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'm having a love/hate relationship with the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venetian-blinds" target="_blank">Venetian Blinds</a> pattern....<br />
<br />
I had a rocky start, first with the "Magical" cast on for toe-up socks on DPNs. It's just so fiddly. I find a Turkish cast on easier and tidier. So I tried it as written, got annoyed and ripped back to restart.<br />
<br />
Next up were the toe increases which are written as lifted increases. Again, I found this very fiddly especially in my first few rounds with somewhat splitty yarn, so I tried it as written, got annoyed and ripped back to redo them as M1s.<br />
<br />
On the other hand the gusset, the heel "cap" and the heel are fun as written and quite different than anything I've done before. I was also very relieved to find them all charted, because at 16 pages long the pattern is kind of tiring. The heel architecture is inspired by Cat Bordhi from her "New Pathways for Sock Knitters". I HAVE this book and haven't knit a single thing from it, so I'd better start thinking about that too.<br />
<br />
A 16 page sock pattern?!?!? Yeah, it caters to beginners with lots of tips and tutorials but my goodness there's a lot to wade through just to get at the actual pattern. And even when you find the pattern, the instructions for different sizes are written out in separate boxes rather than standard form of indicating sizes by parentheses. If it were up to me the instructions would be much simplified and abbreviated; the rest would be shifted into an optional "tips, tutorials and tricks" download.<br />
<br />
Ah well, I'm more than half way through sock one, and sock two should be easy enough with sock one under my belt. Aside from the gusset and heel it's a pretty vanilla pattern which knits up pretty quickly. Seems to me that I may just be able to finish this August project within the targeted calendar month! Even better if I manage them a bit quicker, because <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> awaits!<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - August, September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venetian-blinds" target="_blank">Venetian Blinds Socks</a> - using Shelridge Yarns 80/20 Merino in Mint and Linen<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-18486768591895990322018-08-05T22:27:00.000-04:002018-08-05T22:27:20.276-04:00Year of Projects 8 - Week 06<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp6Gs-dQyMvIESANUG5B0O62tfV2zFFBM5xNFEyjAJ8oTVEbJ_z0efQGyA88038-oR6lMMMV-aAqAO2YE8lBbNMhJq5iZ9h4I8s0wFj5p2NCqJQX4qEKL3GEg593q1l6id7LV8gVksig/s1600/Gladys_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRp6Gs-dQyMvIESANUG5B0O62tfV2zFFBM5xNFEyjAJ8oTVEbJ_z0efQGyA88038-oR6lMMMV-aAqAO2YE8lBbNMhJq5iZ9h4I8s0wFj5p2NCqJQX4qEKL3GEg593q1l6id7LV8gVksig/s320/Gladys_06.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I'm very late in posting today. What can I say; the day got away from me! Maybe because it's a holiday weekend here in Ontario, I'm all off schedule?<br />
<br />
My knitting, on the other hand, is right on schedule! I finished my July Paper Bag Project: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladys-5" target="_blank">Gladys</a> in <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/painted-fleece-merino-cashmere-silk" target="_blank">Painted Fleece Merino/Silk/Cashmere</a>. It's a very nice looking sock but all that seed stitch is a slog. Seriously, I had to really push myself to finish it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-AN5Axjm0meqbn07TBwh-9WPKmlwO2ptlXXIPIOpLCYe6ocuqZiGIfuKnJzAD3QQ_ydBa_9TJo5Cfl0c5wNzRekQRW4m2myZVqIQQz8hVZM3oAgTFtZ6fINYGWbNoMJcQaNiI11QDlM/s1600/Gladys_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-AN5Axjm0meqbn07TBwh-9WPKmlwO2ptlXXIPIOpLCYe6ocuqZiGIfuKnJzAD3QQ_ydBa_9TJo5Cfl0c5wNzRekQRW4m2myZVqIQQz8hVZM3oAgTFtZ6fINYGWbNoMJcQaNiI11QDlM/s320/Gladys_04.jpg" width="320" /></a>The only thing that got me through was the urge to cast on the next pair of socks. On Wednesday I opened a new Paper Bag for August to discover two 50 gram skeins of Shelridge Yarns 80/20 Merino. SURPRISE. That wasn't on the list; I didn't even remember them! Of course it makes sense in retrospect that there couldn't be one bag with Lang Jawoll Superwash and a second with leftovers of the same! Where's my brain?! I amended my lists below.<br />
<br />
But what pattern to knit? Colourwork for sure. And opposite socks to use it all up. Toe-up would help too! Time to dive into an advanced pattern search in Ravelry. And there it is... <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venetian-blinds" target="_blank">Venetian Blinds</a> socks. All the boxes checked! I'll cast those on tomorrow.<br />
<br />
As well, I've been pondering what to do about 150 grams or so of Stretch Bamboo leftovers, and I think I have a plan. The lion share of that is a similar shade of blue (90 grams or so) so I'll use that to knit <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> in the smallest size written. Seems to me that pattern would benefit from stretchy yarn. And then I'll use up the leftovers knitting ankle socks - <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" target="_blank">Jelly Rolls</a>, maybe? BUST ALL THE STASH!<br />
<br />
So yeah, I finished a pair of socks and despite that my lists got longer. SIGH.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - August, September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/venetian-blinds" target="_blank">Venetian Blinds Socks</a> - using Shelridge Yarns 80/20 Merino in Mint and Linen<br />
<br />
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nain-2" target="_blank">Nain</a> - using large scraps of Stretch Bamboo in light blue<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jelly-rolls" target="_blank"> Jelly Rolls</a> - using all the leftover Stretch Bamboo in various colours</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-62849728875006125382018-07-29T10:42:00.002-04:002018-07-29T10:42:35.515-04:00Year of Projects 8 - Week 05<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHrS72s215KmxgjuiSeQQaTqjZ5MuYZjVccUPNBjDm7NJIZHrxrVGl0s6-3GTP7SkTtsksqku9jmt69-UkA6o8tkPxi3qzHVtcXDNHS47DkkZ7qkX9z0pM7kx_Q2-77-lKWFNtNHJstU/s1600/Afshari_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHrS72s215KmxgjuiSeQQaTqjZ5MuYZjVccUPNBjDm7NJIZHrxrVGl0s6-3GTP7SkTtsksqku9jmt69-UkA6o8tkPxi3qzHVtcXDNHS47DkkZ7qkX9z0pM7kx_Q2-77-lKWFNtNHJstU/s320/Afshari_06.jpg" width="320" /></a>My <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/afshari-2" target="_blank">Afshari</a> socks are done and they knit up exactly as I'd hoped. So pretty! This pattern has been in my favourites forever, which is a bit surprising considering that it's a lacy cuff pattern which isn't really my thing, not to mention that it's modelled as an ankle sock, which isn't my thing either. But just because the model is ankle height doesn't mean I can't add rounds to lengthen the leg! Isn't that the great thing about making things? You can alter them to suit yourself!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEik9B8_QZraEMH43PdPTA7HBEVC8aQxPZiQT7zkj0UGaQG0zolWImiHrTIXN8F_eijjuEWPSXxMmk7Uyz2gMJIIj1_47w9CejVO1ieKYbPulHkjOtb-Qdq1mqeLkjbTL9TCQF0pT0Jw8/s1600/Afshari_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEik9B8_QZraEMH43PdPTA7HBEVC8aQxPZiQT7zkj0UGaQG0zolWImiHrTIXN8F_eijjuEWPSXxMmk7Uyz2gMJIIj1_47w9CejVO1ieKYbPulHkjOtb-Qdq1mqeLkjbTL9TCQF0pT0Jw8/s320/Afshari_05.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'm really pleased at how well they fit in <a href="http://www.dyeversion.com/" target="_blank">Dye-Version Stretch Bamboo</a>. The stretchiness of the yarn really comes to the rescue of the not-very-stretchy cuff patterning. The "Tropical Sunrise" colourway is a very pretty pink/orange/yellow and has a very summery look. And the bamboo fibre makes it a very cool sock to wear. Really, I couldn't be any happier with the result!<br />
<br />
The pattern is included in the book <a href="https://pantsvillepress.com/books/silk-road-socks/" target="_blank">Silk Road Socks</a> which I was thrilled to receive as a birthday present from my birthday twin Frieda at <a href="http://restlessneedles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">RestlessNeedles</a>. The book includes are sixteen sock patterns of which I hope to knit several through this Year of Projects. It's beautifully photographed with interesting background information about the inspiration for each pattern so it's lovely to just flip through as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy9b3a0v85q9-DFj6KkaMAYdFDNjudgiBpxBEt5dQ1GPdpzTw1VB3n7KbN-Xy-RABUvmHmkTO38MU-L_ZWj2ZnARzmWLIc89UMc2huM4xez7pbhlpjUXosHbtnRyXABIPuh3CD9dczUY/s1600/Gladys_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFy9b3a0v85q9-DFj6KkaMAYdFDNjudgiBpxBEt5dQ1GPdpzTw1VB3n7KbN-Xy-RABUvmHmkTO38MU-L_ZWj2ZnARzmWLIc89UMc2huM4xez7pbhlpjUXosHbtnRyXABIPuh3CD9dczUY/s320/Gladys_03.jpg" width="320" /></a>With everything else off the needles, I spent the remainder of last week working monogamously on my July Paper Bag Project: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladys-5" target="_blank">Gladys</a> in <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/painted-fleece-merino-cashmere-silk" target="_blank">Painted Fleece Merino/Silk/Cashmere</a>. I finished up sock one this morning. It's lovely but wow, is this pattern ever yarn hungry! Sock number one weighs 61 grams! I've got about 58 grams left for sock two, but I've pulled out a 15 gram leftover bit of sock yarn from stash that's a very similar variegated green so I'm confident I can make this work without a glaring yarn substitution. With any luck I'll have another finished pair of socks by the end of the coming week.<br />
<br />
So the plan is to finish Gladys this week. Wednesday brings the start of a new month so I'll have another Paper Bag to open and another sock project to start. Geez! August already?! Where did the summer go?!?! Beyond that I've got about 145 grams of Dye-Version Stretch Bamboo left in several different shades that are destined to be knit up as scrappy socks... one really long pair? or two smaller pairs? Decisions, decisions! Whatever I decide they'll definitely be toe-up socks so that every last yard is used up. No point in small amounts leftover as the yarn would not really play well with typical merino-nylon sock yarn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - July, August, September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladys-5" target="_blank">Gladys</a> - using Painted Fleece in Fundip #1 Greens<br />
<ul></ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-43538329291035637052018-07-22T10:41:00.001-04:002018-07-22T10:42:50.054-04:00Year of Projects 8 - Week 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74sBZpu62e3YEy9njTWTEgoFf3cwBg39pG61qmvwo5zL-JrT4iNulVKGxzFohoKMN-WXQZTD66uRHtyu-dqkhDkNBCvxOd9FOnJ_QwCWPdgQFxB1qHgsHVgmCF7BKonBXNilRine0Yks/s1600/Gladys_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="1416" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74sBZpu62e3YEy9njTWTEgoFf3cwBg39pG61qmvwo5zL-JrT4iNulVKGxzFohoKMN-WXQZTD66uRHtyu-dqkhDkNBCvxOd9FOnJ_QwCWPdgQFxB1qHgsHVgmCF7BKonBXNilRine0Yks/s320/Gladys_01.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
For the last few days I've been working monogamously on my July Paper Bag Project: <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladys-5" target="_blank">Gladys</a> in <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/painted-fleece-merino-cashmere-silk" target="_blank">Painted Fleece Merino/Silk/Cashmere</a> in beautiful tonal greens. The yarn is knitting up beautifully - no pooling just lots of interesting variegations and subtle contrasts. The pattern is beautiful too but goodness, that's a lot of seed stitch!<br />
<br />
My <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/afshari-2" target="_blank">Afshari</a> socks haven't been ignored. I have knit the cuff of the second sock and started on the plain knitting of the leg. Well I had to, didn't I? Those 2.25mm HiyaHiya sharps were the needles I wanted for the Gladys socks. The rest of Afshari is plain vanilla so it'll be just the thing to knit for the next couple of evenings.<br />
<br />
I learned a new trick this week! I discovered that I could take a photo of the charts for Afshari from the pattern book on my iPad - <a href="http://pantsvillepress.com/books/silk-road-socks/" target="_blank">Silk Road Socks</a> - and then share into iBooks as a PDF in order to import from there into <a href="https://www.knitcompanion.com/" target="_blank">KnitCompanion</a>. I'm the first to admit that KnitCompanion has entirely spoiled me for knitting from books or printed patterns; it's just so much easier to keep my place in charts on my iPad. Being able to bring the charts in without needing to fire up the desktop computer, scan the pages and so on? Game changer!!<br />
<br />
This week might be quite a productive week knitting-wise. We are finally getting rain which is a relief. We've had several weeks without and things have been dry as a bone. We ran out of water in our rain barrels ages ago so we've been hauling buckets of water from the Lake to water my raised planting beds. The cilantro has bolted, the radishes have bolted, the beans are looking leathery, the tomatoes have withered and none of the seeds I planted have germinated. Too hot. Too dry. Northern Ontario has a number of ongoing wildfires and we've been under complete fire bans in Haldimand County and all the neighbouring counties. The forecast is for rain on and on off for the next few days so hurray for that. I hope Northern Ontario gets some relief soon too!<br />
<br />
On Wednesday we'll be home all day without power while we have a whole-home generator installed. The hydro around here is all delivered by overhead power lines and we are very vulnerable to power failures due to downed trees and branches from storms. Given that our community is sooo small, we aren't a priority for the utility company when they are addressing outages... the crews are sent to larger centres with larger numbers of subscribers first. So natural gas generators are commonplace around here; better safe than sorry. No doubt the weather is likely to be more extreme with climate change de-stabilising the jet stream.<br />
<br />
So the plan for this week is to finish Afshari then work on Gladys. I'm resisting the urge to cast on scrappy socks until these two projects are done. Besides, August is coming fast and I'll have another Paper Bag to open and another sock project to start. Time to get some projects on the list done!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - July, August, September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/diamondback-socks" target="_blank">Diamondback Socks</a> - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladys-5" target="_blank">Gladys</a> - using Painted Fleece in Fundip #1 Greens<br />
<ul></ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/afshari-2" target="_blank">Afshari</a> - Dye-Version Stretch Bamboo Sock yarn in Peach<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-59659223829007855632018-07-15T08:42:00.004-04:002018-07-15T08:43:49.945-04:00Year of Project 8 - Week 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGeT6QTdxrWDcf8vIteNKpqHc7VakAYIZ326-rxdxkjXlO0v5mYSqnrXuoBxRUv9_4-HfQLRRzBlGh1IFUnhyphenhyphenrCZq6uBYGBIvAeRvgA7xvUxxu0asq_amxvlu-qZ05AISfO9F8rx6VYM/s1600/VanillaRibs_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGeT6QTdxrWDcf8vIteNKpqHc7VakAYIZ326-rxdxkjXlO0v5mYSqnrXuoBxRUv9_4-HfQLRRzBlGh1IFUnhyphenhyphenrCZq6uBYGBIvAeRvgA7xvUxxu0asq_amxvlu-qZ05AISfO9F8rx6VYM/s320/VanillaRibs_05.jpg" width="320" /></a>I did finally finish my June Paper Bag Project - a very simple ribbed vanilla sock loosely based on the pattern <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-is-the-new-black" target="_blank">Vanilla is the New Black</a> in <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/viking-of-norway-nordlys" target="_blank">Nordlys by Viking Yarn</a> in a blue gradient. They are lovely finished socks but oh man, knitting that yarn was painful. I'm very happy they're done. I also very happy to have finished these with a scant three yards remaining so I don't need to be bothered about finding a use for leftovers.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtSc-qmB8sDUoQMJvUX1U8uHhfI-bkFWRF9-Nm_2S-qVaMkB3ip08qJwH6XRd6Kpx47N3LesmJFuOOa7erGxjtGt2IAz7-fiwWidgkXd2snxVbs2kL9U_f6jD9abK2tz-oTn4niLqQXc/s1600/JulyPBP-GREEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtSc-qmB8sDUoQMJvUX1U8uHhfI-bkFWRF9-Nm_2S-qVaMkB3ip08qJwH6XRd6Kpx47N3LesmJFuOOa7erGxjtGt2IAz7-fiwWidgkXd2snxVbs2kL9U_f6jD9abK2tz-oTn4niLqQXc/s320/JulyPBP-GREEN.jpg" width="320" /></a>A few days ago I selected another random paper bag for my July Paper Bag Project, and opened it to find a skein of <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/painted-fleece-merino-cashmere-silk" target="_blank">Painted Fleece Merino/Silk/Cashmere</a> in beautiful tonal greens. For a couple of days I played with a design of my own, but it's not knitting up the way I hoped, so now I'm considering ripping out and knitting <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladys-5" target="_blank">Gladys</a> instead. As I'm behind in this group, selecting an existing and thoroughly tested design strikes me as a wise plan.<br />
<br />
While I pondered all that - and wasted much time mooning over patterns - I've continued working on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/afshari-2" target="_blank">Afshari</a> using <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/dye-version-bamboo-stretch-sock" target="_blank">Dye-Version Stretch Bamboo Sock</a>. This really is the perfect yarn for high humidity heat wave knitting! I added 35 rounds of plain knit to lengthen the leg, as the pattern is shown as an ankle sock but I prefer my socks longer. The stretch bamboo yarn is ideal for this pattern as the cuff might otherwise be somewhat inflexible. Even so I knit the cuff on larger needles then switched down to smaller needles as soon as the last purl row of the chart was complete. I've knit the heel flap as written; it features a charming slip-stitch pattern with 2 plain stockinette stitches between each column of slipped stitches.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hfsfjBmjRO6KoJt8ZynSdSH6q6EEL7HlFArllSIjYjqPu_OkPBF4aPqsKN1lFAtjWtklGxgVPM79y2HXRqgsGIqYPHp14o4dU5rwC0rLTe4TfBnyMmHVwQXTuPQBYOKeIGaRZF14Gpc/s1600/Afshari_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hfsfjBmjRO6KoJt8ZynSdSH6q6EEL7HlFArllSIjYjqPu_OkPBF4aPqsKN1lFAtjWtklGxgVPM79y2HXRqgsGIqYPHp14o4dU5rwC0rLTe4TfBnyMmHVwQXTuPQBYOKeIGaRZF14Gpc/s320/Afshari_02.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
For the coming week my plan is to finish the first of my Afshari socks and knit at least the cuff of the second sock. I'm wrestling with the notion that I ought to cast on that July project, but I'd much rather knit the bamboo yarn, at least while the heat and humidity stretches on. The forecast is for a break in the weather on Tuesday, so we'll see what happens.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - July, August, September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br />
Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated red yarn<br />
Pattern TBD - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladys-5" target="_blank">Gladys</a> - using Painted Fleece in Fundip #1 Greens<br />
<ul></ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<br />
<ul></ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/afshari-2" target="_blank">Afshari</a> - Dye-Version Stretch Bamboo Sock yarn in Peach<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1270785051125674716.post-5705638107809483812018-07-08T11:07:00.000-04:002018-07-08T11:10:57.582-04:00Year of Projects 8 - Week 2<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLT3n9eN_m6SUvOBibDzyoXKjXvpCaASqauam4AdXYlQpRl2oTQL-TfZnr3H95i3mSDMTh_IPAUbx5uNyM3oqSp875VrkQT6NB6G8F5vH6BZtSbCjiS2cRYSMXXaLSOIxdB4MgSVe_nc/s1600/VanillaRibs_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLT3n9eN_m6SUvOBibDzyoXKjXvpCaASqauam4AdXYlQpRl2oTQL-TfZnr3H95i3mSDMTh_IPAUbx5uNyM3oqSp875VrkQT6NB6G8F5vH6BZtSbCjiS2cRYSMXXaLSOIxdB4MgSVe_nc/s320/VanillaRibs_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Ribbed Socks in Nordlys yarn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of people enquired in comments last week about the 2018 Paper Bag Project mentioned in my list for Year 8, so let me explain: it's a challenge within a Ravelry Group called "Canada Let's Swap!" At the beginning of the year participants created 12 paper bags containing projects - new or unfinished - and each month we select one bag at random to complete. I fell behind so I'm still finishing up my June project and have yet to select a project for July.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
My June Paper Bag contained a skein of <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/viking-of-norway-nordlys" target="_blank">Nordlys by Viking Yarn</a> in a blue gradient. It's a bit of a difficult yarn to work with - single ply, lots of halo, pills easily, thick and thin in sections, very splitty, sticky, impossible to frog and easily torn - so I opted for a very simple ribbed vanilla sock loosely based on the pattern <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-is-the-new-black" target="_blank">Vanilla is the New Black</a>.<br />
<br />
When I started these socks I planned to make them matching however I've abandoned that now. The first sock took 48 grams of 101 grams available so I really don't have any additional yardage to make that work. Besides there was a knot in the yarn resulting in a hard break in the gradation about an inch from the toe of the first sock. Matched socks are not to be! I'm at the heel of the second sock and hope to finish these by the end of the week.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2tPHGZYNJ_zol91R8-m_dWhEpIau_NN_UqkMkXxhwa-2uIMWOPQEw5BPcJwgJnA67iIkF26uXfzSpQ-i1sDdoMndRYZe3ng1E7ZTD3LUZOwFJ4rOD6u010RBV0PZbux3-Z2rD5ZTWjQ/s1600/Afshari_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2tPHGZYNJ_zol91R8-m_dWhEpIau_NN_UqkMkXxhwa-2uIMWOPQEw5BPcJwgJnA67iIkF26uXfzSpQ-i1sDdoMndRYZe3ng1E7ZTD3LUZOwFJ4rOD6u010RBV0PZbux3-Z2rD5ZTWjQ/s320/Afshari_01.jpg" width="320" /></a>Although I don't generally like to have multiple WIPs, last week's extreme heat made knitting that Nordlys yarn with sweaty fingers extra unpleasant. As an alternative I cast on <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/afshari-2" target="_blank">Afshari</a> using <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/dye-version-bamboo-stretch-sock" target="_blank">Dye-Version Stretch Bamboo Sock</a> ... a very smooth shiny yarn that was much nicer to knit as the temperature and humidity soared. This "Tropical Sunrise" colourway is very summery and fun! The patterned section at the top of the leg of the first sock is done and now I'm trying to decide how much plain stockinette I want before starting the heel. Fingers crossed that the stretch in the yarn helps that top section stay up!<br />
<br />
By next week I hope to make a start on my July Paper Bag and, if time allows, maybe turn the heel on my first Afshari sock. But if the weather stays as beautiful as it has been for the last couple of days, I might be spending all day outdoors in the lake or in the garden instead of knitting!<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">2018 Paper Bag Project - July, August, September, October, November and December</span></b></u><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-flower-sock">Twisted Flower Socks</a> - using Hikoo CoBaSi yarn in Egyptian Blue<br /> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/feny">Feny Socks</a> - using Lang Jawoll Superwash in turquoise and chocolate<br /> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/double-heelix">Double Heelix Socks</a> - using leftovers from Feny Socks<br /> Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated red yarn<br /> Pattern TBD - using Songbird Fibers Sock in Ruby Throated Hummingbird<br /> Pattern TBD - using unknown variegated green yarn<br /><ul>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Full Skeins from stash</span></b></u></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/somewhere">Somewhere Socks</a> - using Mountain Colour mini set<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pairfect-socks" target="_blank">Pairfect Socks</a> - using Regia Pairfect<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mood-3" target="_blank">Mood</a> - using unknown variegated blue yarn<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kazak-3" target="_blank">Kazak</a> - using unknown tonal purple yarn<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harris-tweed-socks" target="_blank">Harris Tweed Socks</a> - using Wollemeise self-striping green/gold/red yarn<ul>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u><b><span style="color: #073763;">Large (more than 50 grams) and Small </span></b></u><b><u><span style="color: #073763;">(less than 50 grams) scraps from stash</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/afshari-2" target="_blank">Afshari</a> - Dye-Version Stretch Bamboo Sock yarn in Peach<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/salor-2" target="_blank">Salor</a> - in various tan, orange and brown small scraps<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vanilla-bean-striped-socks" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Striped Socks</a> - in various colourful small scraps<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/squircle-2" target="_blank">Squircle Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/escape-reality" target="_blank">Escape Reality Socks</a> - in various colourful scraps plus something neutral from large scraps<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bill-huggins" target="_blank">Bill Huggins</a> - in various scraps<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mosaic-marbles-socks" target="_blank">Mosaic Marbles socks</a> - using Langwoll Magic Dégradé scraps with black (or white)<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/checkbox-socks" target="_blank">Checkbox Socks</a> - using large scraps<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/stash-buster-spiral-socks" target="_blank">Stash Buster Spiral Socks</a> - using various scraps in green?<br /> <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hearty-stripy-socks" target="_blank">Hearty Stripey Socks</a> - using various scraps</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<ul>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Minding My Own Stitcheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13946752212001968413noreply@blogger.com14