Learning A New Skill - Toe Up, Two At A Time

I started my class to learn how to knit two socks at a time on one circular from the toe up. I thought it was about time to learn the toe up method for socks and the idea of getting two done at a time is very appealing.

I had been hesitating about this method for some time because I did not think it would be very portable having two skeins of yarn to keep straight while I am knitting in the car.

So far I am almost through the gusset, the second part of the class will be all about the heel cup. It was interesting to learn that there are new terms to learn when doing this method. For instance, instead of knitting rows or rounds you are knitting sides.

One side of both socks represents the instep and the other side represents the sole. Once that became apparent it was easier to think about the construction of a toe up sock. It is recommended to mark the sole side with a marker so you know where you are.

Working on the sample socks in worsted with size 6US needles makes the learning go faster. I will be interested to get a set on real sock yarn and needle size and see how that goes. Another tip I learned is to use at least a 40-inch circular, 47-inch is better.

I hope everyone is learning new things to finish off their year~!

FO: Mock Croc Socks

I can say the Mock Croc Socks are a great knit and are completed. I really like the way the Serenity Sock Yarn feels, it has bamboo in it. Cannot say that it stripes as you can see in the picture. But the pooling effects are interesting.

This pattern made a great car knit. It was easy to memorize and count the repeats to match the second sock. This pattern comes from Knitpicks as a free pattern.

I will be doing this pattern again possibly on the Knit One Crochet Too Soxx Appeal yarn to see how it works on the elasticized yarns.

At least I am working my way through the sock yarn stash. Next on my car needles are the Mystery Socks KAL with Through the Loops which I started on October 1st and got bogged down with other things I had to finish. So that makes me three clues behind.

I just started clue two this morning which is for the leg of the sock and, so far so good. I will be posting pictures as I get further along in the leg, more to show, you know. I hope everyone has fun things they are working on~!

Note: the bright green item in the picture is one side of the new Sock Doctor keychain. The green side is the directions for the infamous Kichener Graft, and on the other is the sock construction diagram. I purchased this from NobleKnits, it is made by PolarKnits .

Thong Socks

I found the pattern "Flippant" on Ravelry one day and thought they were a darling idea. I wear thong flip flops as house shoes during the warmer weather and love them. So I decided to try a pair of these out of Cascade Fixation.

I cast them on today while I was waiting for my student at the shop today. I made really good progress on them, following the patterns version for size, as the picture shows and they are being guarded by my wee devil duck dpn holders.

The pattern got lots of giggles from the shop staff. And somehow a question came up about a "whole" sock to which I answered that I will be attending the Sock Summit which encouraged full out guffawing.

I did finish the first Flippant however it is too big for my foot and I found out they will not fit inside my thong because it will be too tight. So that project has gone by the wayside.

I hope everyone is finding fun projects to keep them busy!

Note: scenic shot is from the driveway of the shop in Woodland Park looking at Pikes Peak.

Kitty Knits - Cat Lovers Unite!

Donna Druchunas is my kind of person. I have seen so many pet related knitting books and patterns that are geared towards dog lovers but little has been done up to this point for cat lovers.

Finally, the cat will have its day.

I saw this advertised first in the latest Knitpicks catalog, and followed it from there. The pic offered here is from her website, Sheep to Shawl, and she does a good job of sharing what is in the book.

Of course, I ordered the book and it arrived yesterday. It was all I could do to put it away in my messenger bag at work and not touch it. So far I have found at least 8 projects I must do. My favorites are the socks and the hat. Those first for fast finish projects. Then the Fair Isle pullover with cat faces.

There are also projects to knit for your favorite four-pawed friends and family members. Everything from catnip mice to cat beds embellished with needle felting to a fancy cat mat where they can dine on their favorite treats.

I am even going to use a lace pattern that represents a cat face for my yarnover swatch sample for the KIC Level One submission.

If you can't tell...I am VERY excited about this book. I suggest all you cat lovers out there go to her site linked above and have a look at it.

Hope everyone is following their dreams and passion wherever it leads you!

Estes Park Wool Market 2007 or What Great Projects Did I Find.

I am sure some have asked "what did she find at the Estes Wool Market that she could not live without?"

In the picture you will find the makings, yarn and pattern, of a fun vest using Interlacements yarn. This yarn is actually made in Colorado Springs about 5 miles from where I live. And the two balls of mocha strawberry colored yarn is for a pair of socks for my mother. (ssh...don't tell her)

The rest of the trip is documented in the post below.

Chase your passions where they take you!