More Socks!

Made brave (foolhardy?) by my previous success, I embarked on another sock project.

This time I cast on

Waterfall Socks by Wendy D. Johnson.
I used Spring Showers, a 75/25 merino/nylon sock yarn by inspinknitty (KnittyKnotty)

Yes, another two-at-a-time, toe-up project!

This pattern proved much more interesting than the previous one. It has a simple but pretty lace pattern.

I have thick ankles and broad legs (you wanted to know that, didn't you?) so I wanted a nice stretchy cast-off. A bit of research led me to Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off, so I tried it.
IT WORKS!

The finished socks.

A pretty pattern.
I think there could be more socks in my future.

Socks

Many, many years ago, in the dim and distant past, I made a pair of socks for my daughter. I used four double pointed needles, and it took ages. I doubt if I'd have finished if I hadn't promised my daughter!

Back in July I was persuaded to join in a sock KAL run by Indieway. Her yarns are beautiful, and she's such a lovely lady, so I took my courage in both hands and metaphorically jumped in the deep end.

I cast on

Two at Once, Toe-Up Magic Loop Socks by the Knit Picks Design Team, using Indieway's 80/20 sock yarn in Wildfire.

It was a learning curve!
Controlling the magic loop was a challenge, but a lot easier than juggling the double pointed needles.
Knitting two socks at a time at least makes sure both socks get finished, but I can assure anyone who wants to know that stocking stitch is boring - particularly two lots in one go.

Still, I finished.
They're very warm and comfortable.

I'll be doing this again.

Honey Bunches Shawlette

I've just finished this sweet and easy shawl designed by Irish Girlie Knits.
I had a need for a simple knitting project that required very little brain power.
In spite of being a gently lacy design, this shawl really filled the bill.
I made the small version in a lovely, soft, baby camel/silk yarn from Indieway Yarns in a pale golden colour, and the result is a truly cuddly shawlette.
Thank you ladies!

So Far This Year

These are my main finished objects.

January - Damson Shawl

Early March - Morgan Gloves

Late March - Hitchhiker Shawl

May - Two Moebius Cowls

Backtracking

In my last post I mentioned my happiness at KnitNation last summer.

Here's a photo of the goodies I brought home with me.

Yarn, patterns, needles, a crochet hook, a shawl pin, a WPI gauge...

...and a wonderful Sunflower Swift!

Posting at last...

I set up this blog some time ago, intending to record my adventures in various crafts.
Time passed, and I still hadn't decided on a starting point.
Then a few days ago Elder Daughter came for a visit bearing a belated birthday present for me, and I suddenly realised it makes the obvious starting place.

I'd better backtrack a bit here. Last July - yes, almost a year ago - my daughters arranged a holiday for me. We spent a week together in London, taking in a show ('Wicked' - I could watch it again and again!) and the whole weekend of KnitNation. It blew my mind! My previous knitting and crochet experience had been with the usual, easily-available acrylics, and the last things I made were crocheted DK Granny-square blankets for my toddlers. At Knit Nation I discovered fingering weight yarns in glorious colours and with softness to die for. It's just as well the stallholders expected people to handle their yarns, because I couldn't resist touching! I came home with a load of yarn, and no idea what I was going to do with it.

Returning to the present, I have to confess that much of my original stash remains, because I keep seeing glorious yarns that I MUST HAVE! And then people give me presents. Husband bought me two skeins for my birthday, and Youngest Son bought me a load of patterns I wanted. Elder Daughter brought me a Surprise Knitting Kit that she'd put together herself. This is it, pictured below.

The photo doesn't do justice to the rich, glowing royal purple of the yarn.
This will be my first beaded project, and I've no idea how long it will take, but I'm casting on anyway!

Many, many thanks dear daughter!