Spinning For Socks

I've been baaaaad. I spun more sock yarn. I couldn't help myself! I know, I know - I already have enough of that without having to make more. I hear ya! But... I just couldn't help myself.

JulieSpins had this roving and I saw it and had to have it and then I spun it and gave it as a gift and then I got more of the same roving and same colorway but a little different and then I spun that up and.... well, I fell in love. Plain and simple. Now I want to make socks out of it. Is that really so wrong?!

Fiber: SW Merino by JulieSpins in "Jungle" colorway (here's my other "Jungle" spin from her)

Detaisl: Approx. 334 yds. of two-ply in fingering weight yumminess.

Plans: Make socks with it and then wear them to the grave. Seriously.

Dawn on My Toes

My first pair of handspun socks! :)

Pattern: Plain ol' sock pattern. Crochet cast-on, short-row toes, short-row heels, decreas bind off in 1x1 rib.

Yarn: My handspun, 388 yds. of two-ply fingering weight in merino, Moonlight Baker's Hungry for Handspun in "Morning Sky" colorway.

Needles: US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace 40" circular needle

These were a lot of fun to do. I love how squooshy they feel on the inside. I swear they feel even more magical than ones that I make from store-bought yarn. ;)

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? I hope that y'all had a nice time and didn't have too much traffic to sit in on your way there or back. This is such a nice time of year, I hope that everyone is able to enjoy it and take it all in slowly. Cheers!

A Warm November Spring Day

Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson

My husband and I wanted to get out yesterday morning for some fresh air and sunshine. It has been pretty warm here the past few days so we knew that it would be a great day to go to a neighborhood park that we love. When we got there, at 10:30 a.m., it was about 70 degrees. Yes. You read that right. It ended up getting up to 80 yesterday, but the big deal to me was that it was 70 degrees at 10:30 a.m. on a fall morning. Seriously?!

We didn't do much once we got there. Aron brought his camera to take some random shots and I brought some knitting. We both brought some good reading, too. Sitting on the grass, feeling the warmth of the sun on my feet and the cool grass beneath, I just felt like I was in heaven. I kept on forgetting that it was mid-November. Seriously!

Though I didn't do a whole lot of knitting, I do have some progress pics of a project that I've been doing with the Stitch-It Podcast Listeners Group over at Ravelry. They've started the "Embrace your inner Linus: Shawl KAL" and I've picked one of my favorite yarns in my favorite colorway to make La La's Simple Shawl. I love the way that it's turning out. I can't wait to get it done, though it will take me quite a while. ;)

I'm off to go do some more selfish knitting since it's going to be gift-knitting time in a few days for me. Happy Sunday!

Spinning Mania!

Well, I just went a little bit crazy in a shop update that I've found some fabulous fiber at. At first glance, I wasn't super in love with my first braid that I got from her. Though it was pretty, I knew that she had previously done some amazing stuff. Spinning it up, I still wasn't too sure. After plying it, however, I realized that this stuff is really fabulous. She does some amazing colorways that are unique and make you think outside the box. Colors that you wouldn't think to put together suddenly glow and radiate. This simple skein of fingering-weight is so subtle in comparison to what she usually posts in her shop.

The fiber is by Juliespins and she just did a shop update. Though you couldn't tell by looking at her stock since it sells out in mere seconds. ;)

4.4 oz. of Superwash Merino Handpainted Roving in "Jungle" colorway (she does a new version of that colorway in almost every shop update - I'll show you my next one ;). This was spun into approximately 400+ yds. of two-ply fingering weight. Super fun socks, that's my guess! :D

Witches Brew

Though I missed posting a pair for last month in the Sock A Month KAL, I do have a pair today. Lucky you! :)

Yarn: Knitterly Things' Vesper Sock Yarn in "Crew" colorway, one skein

Pattern: Generic toe-up with short-row heels and toes, using a provisional crochet cast-on

Needles: US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace 40" circulars

Sigh

I just love this colorway so much. I really want to learn how to Navajo ply so that I can keep the colorway's stripes consistent. If I do a 2-ply or a 3-ply, that will mix the colors up. I still might save it for when I've learned how to Navajo ply. Does anyone have a good recommendation for how to learn? Any good books or other resources?

I'm Doomed!

I may be a little bit overly dramatic, but I do think that I'm doomed. I have fallen into a huge smooshy pit of fiber and I don't really want to get out. Is that wrong?!

Here's my latest fall...

But this was the one that started it all...

And this was the one that kept me wanting more.

So you see, there is a slight progression. Sort of. Well, I can't seem to help myself and I don't know that I really want to. If anyone you know wants to start spinning, tell them not to... unless they really really love fiber. A lot. Otherwise, they may not be prepared for just how much they will end up loving it once they start spinning. Seriously.

One More Pair For Team Cabin Fever

Pattern: Olympian Socks by Sheryl Giles

Yarn: Claudia Hand Painted Fingering in "Cabin Fever" colorway, two skeins

Needles: One 40" Addi Turbo Lace US 2 1/2 circular

Mods: None

These socks were knit for the Socktopia Olympic Sock Contest (not related to Ravelympics, but in celebration of the Olympics). I am part of Team Cabin Fever and just could not pass up using the team's namesake colorway. I don't think that the colorway shows the pattern well, but it is a lovely colorway nonetheless. I love how squishy this newere base-yarn is that Claudia is using. This could end up costing me a lot of money if I decide to replace all of my existing stuff with the newer base-yarn. Of course, I need to start stashing more fiber for my new wheel that I'll be getting soon, but I just might have to get one or two more Claudia colorways, too. Hmmm...

How is everyone's summer turning out? My husband went for a crazy bicycle ride for the end of our summer. He rode a billion miles to the Yosemite area. We knew that going the whole way would be a little crazy because of the 6,000 foot ascent during a very short distance (at least short when it comes to going up using your own energy). Though he did not end at the park itself, he made a ginormous distance and burned more than 6,000 calories during the process. It was so much fun following along and supporting him with love and energy (in the forms of beverages and snacks). We kept him well hydrated and well calorated (if I want to make it a word, I can dang it!). He had a great time and surprisingly wasn't sore the next day or the day after. I'm so thrilled that he did so much and that he was so driven. I personally would have collapsed after trying to make it up the hill near our house. ;) What else are you doing to wrap up your summer freedom?

Golden Olympians and Wheels

Pattern: Olympian Socks by Sheryl Giles
Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in "Latte" colorway (mmmm!)
Needles: US 2 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace 40" circulars
Mods: Almost none, except the short-row toe, which didn't really work well for this pattern. :)

This pattern was a lot of fun (and a fun competition for the Socktopia Olympic Contest), but it's all about the colorway for me. The colors are so rich but subtle. I really like this colorway and now I'm hoping that Emily does it again.

Almost off-topic, I have a new interest:

I have been taking a fabulous spinning class for the past few weeks. The class meets once a week for five weeks and we get exposure to many different wheels. The wheel in the above picture was an Ashford something-or-other. I didn't find the name on the wheel itself, but I do believe that it was the Elizabeth2. I was also able to try out the Ashford Traveler and the Kromski Prelude. All three of these wheels were single-treadle. I most definitely like double-treadle better, but these wheels were a lot of fun to get to know. I know that my singles aren't completely perfect, but it sure is fun getting some practice in! I am looking forward to purchasing my own wheel soon (very soon)! I am trying to ignore the fact that this is going to turn into a whole new obsession. Didn't I pass up several offers of sewing lessons just to avoid the urge to make beautiful quilts?! Well, I'm glad that I completely kept myself out of harm's way. I'm sure that a fiber obsession will cost waaaaay less than a fabric obsession! ;)

You'll Never Believe it! Socks!!!

Pattern: Anastasia by Mintyfresh at Pepperknits
Yarn: Zen String Serendipity Fingering in "Georgia" colorway, 1/2 skein
Needles: Addi Turbo 40" US 1 1/2 circulars
Mods: Ankle-length with 2x2 ribbing for 10 rows

This pattern is a lot of fun, but for some reason I've forgotten how I did it as a full-length last time. Once you go around the entire leg, the pattern needs to change at a couple of points in order to continue without skips. I couldn't do it this time. Oh well - I needed something shorter anyway. ;) This colorway is a lot of fun and the yarn base is great. This was my first time using Zen String's yarns. I am looking forward to finding a good use for the "Dahlia" colorway. I've seen that one done with a Monkey pattern. It looks fabulous, but I'd hate to copy someone. Does someone have a suggestion for a good pattern for the colorway? If you click on the colorway name above, it will bring you to a photo of my stashed skein. I would love to see what suggestions y'all have! Thanks. :)

NOT Socks?!

No, not socks.

Pattern: An Unoriginal Hat by Stephanie Pearl McPhee

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts' Leticia in "Space Dust" colorway, just under one full skein (enough to add a cute little flower or something)

Needles: 5 Crystal Palace US 11 bamboo dpns (10 3/4 size recommended and I might use that the next time since this was a tiny bit too big)

Mods: None :)

I love this colorway. I really like the pattern, too. However, the hat itself doesn't fit perfectly. It sort of wants to just lay there. So next time, I'm making it with the slightly smaller needles, which I did purchase. Has anyone else made this hat? What yarn and needles did you use?

Another Week, Another Pair...

Sigh. Yes, more socks. Sorry, y'all!




Pattern: Lombard Street Socks by Susan Pierce Lawrence
Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in "Forsythia" colorway, just barely more than half a skein
Needles: 40" Addi Turbo circulars, size 1 1/2 US
Mods: Toe-up, provisional crochet cast-on with short-row toes, short row heel, anklet-length (only did two of the leg repeats once heel was done), 2x2 ribbed cuff for 2". I think that's all. Otherwise, they're the exact same! ;)

I think that this yarn is beautiful and I really like this pattern. However, even though I don't think that these are ugly, these don't totally excite me. Oh well, perhaps I'll try something different with the remainder of this colorway...

Quick and Striped

Yarn: Sunnyside Ellen's fingering weight in "River Country" (such cute stripes!)
Needles: Addi Turbo US 1 1/2 40" circulars
Pattern: my basic, basic, basic toe-up recipe, provisional crochet cast-on, short-row toes and heels, 2x2 rib at cuffs (and four rows of 2x2 rib at toe just to add something different).

I know that these are super-basic, but I really loved the stripes so didn't want to muddle them up or lose a pattern in the fabric. Great yarn!

Big Dork

Okay, so I messed up. I hate to have to post this but I did not pass my final exam. I can't believe this. I really am a good student, I swear! I get A's all the time. Seriously. Don't laugh - I really do. ;) So to fail a final exam (that was 80% of the grade!!!) is a total shame. I am re-taking the class right now, but that's alright. I plan on rocking this class and getting an excellent grade, dang it. And I plan on resting easy once these six weeks are over. That way I'll have a little bit of down-time before the Fall starts at my new school. Phew - I can't wait to have a break.

Thanks for being my shoulder to cry on, everyone. :) I'll keep you apprised... I'm sure that you'll be waiting with bated breath.

Socks and School

This month's Sox:

Pattern: "Gentleman's Fancy Socks," from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Emily Parson's "Sophie's Toes" in "Man in Uniform" colorway, one skein
Needles: One 40" Addi Turbo circular, size US 2 1/2
Mods: Toe-up, provisional cast-on short-row toe, short-row heel, no increases done for calf-shaping.

(ETA: Since my pics never seem to be able to enlarge, click here to see close-ups)

I made these lovely socks for my husband. Lucky guy. ;) Well, I'm sure that he'll love them now that it's a million degrees outside. Sheesh!

So I'm closing in on my final quarter at my current school. My final exam is this upcoming Friday and I'm freaking out right now. I have only one class that is remaining to fulfill the requirements to transfer to my next school (I have been accepted with a contingency that I meet this requirement). I am taking that class this quarter and I'm not so sure that I'll be passing it. Seriously. I happen to be a pretty good student, but this class just wants me to work harder than my brain seemed up for this quarter. Hmmm... sound like setup for failure? Nah - I would never do that to myself! Yeah. Uh-huh.

Well, if for some reason I don't pass, I will need to figure out a way to get through the class in the summer, even though the summer session starts three days after my final. Because of the close dates, I can not technically register for the same class in the summer since I am still officially registered in it now - that would be repeating the same class. I would have to petition to re-take it for a better grade and then quickly hope that the instructor will agree to add me to the class. And that is just way too much to think about right now. So, after all that ramble, I just want to ask y'all to send some good thoughts my way. Thank you! I'll give an update on the results - as soon as I can get the guts to face up to it if I fail, or on Monday/Tuesday if I pass. ;)

Fire Breathing Monkeys

Yup. Another pair of socks. Snore... ;)


Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A.
Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in "Fire Breathing Dragon" colorway
Needles: US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo 40" circulars
Mods: Toe-up with provisional crochet cast-on, short-row heels, and all purls were knit instead.

This was a fun pair. I hope that you can see some of the detail of the pattern. Happy Spring, everyone!

Elfine's Froggies

I loved this sock pattern. Really. Loved it. And the colorway? Well, some of you who saw the socks in progress made some comments about how bright they were, but that's alright. I still love this colorway for this sock, and I think that that is what matters the most (especially since I'm the one who will be wearing them).

Pattern: Elfine's Socks by Anna Bell at My Fashionable Life

Yarn: Sophie's Toes by Emily Parson in "Froggy" colorway, one skein

Needles: One 40" US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo Lace needle

Mods: Provisional crochet cast-on with short-row toes

This pattern is so lovely - especially for Spring. The yarn color feels like it was made to go with the pattern. This is what real spring colors look like, people! ;)

In case anyone (else) is getting bored with socks, I do have something non-pedial on the needles. Though it's not that exciting to most of you, this is my first lace shawl. Of course, I have started one before, but I have a strong feeling that this one will actually become something larger than a doll-sized lace thingy.

Well, I think that I've tortured enough of you for now. I won't come back until I have something interesting to say. Or at least until I've gotten desperately sad and lonely missing your company. Let's see how long that lasts!

Another Pair...

Getting tired of me just posting my pairs of socks yet? Well, too bad. ;) At some point, I'll start including some real content. You know, since I'm sure everyone is dying to hear about ME. Ha.

Okay, this month's (first?) pair:

Pattern: Shock Wave by Abigail at 1870 Pearl

Yarn: Beat Sock in colorway "Nevermore," by Perfect Day Yarns

Needles: One US 1 1/2 Addi Turbo 40" circular

Mods: Toe-up using provisional crochet cast-on creating a short-row toe, short-row heel, and I think that's it. I believe that everything else was the same.

The pattern is really really easy to do and you can memorize it after you've complete the first round. It's especially great for self-striping yarns so that you can add some interest to the pattern but still maintain the striping. I thought that these turned out quite lovely - the yarn is really fun to work with. And who doesn't love some purple (and dark brown)? In this picture, the brown looks more like charcoal grey, but it is indeed a dark brown.

I hope everyone is doing well. I've been destashing a lot because it's gotten insanely crazy. Who really needs that much sock yarn? Well, nevermind that question - who needs that much yarn? Don't mess with the sock yarn. Everything else can go. ;)

Have a great weekend, everyone. Go get yourself some sun - yeay for Vitamin D!

Cheeky Monkeys!

Yes, it is very silly that I wanted to make this pattern with this colorway just so that I could call them that, but I couldn't help it. I really liked the yarn a lot. I wasn't sure how it would pattern out, but I do like that it was not only diagonally striping along the foot and leg, but it also did different things on each leg.

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A.

Yarn: Chewy Spaghetti "Spaghetti" in "Cheeky" colorway

Needles: five bamboo US2 dpns.

Mods: Toe up with provisional crochet cast-on, no-purl version, short-row heels, regular 1x1 rib for cuff (for 1 1/2 inches), and Wendy's version of the Russian bind-off.

Fall Charade

Yeay! I've finally finished my Charades.

Pattern: Charade by Sandra Park

Needles: One 47" circular Addi Turbo US 1 1/2 (it says 2, but it's really 1 1/2)

Yarn: Emily Parson's Sophie's Toes in "Fall Mums" colorway. Yum-o-licious!!!

Mods: Toe-up, provisional cast-on, short-row heels and... that's about it.

I really loved this pattern. I know that everyone and their mother has already made it, but that doesn't make it any less fun, does it? It looks fabulous with this yarn. This yarn is so rich in color that the stitches just stand out even more. Though Emily's yarns are variegated, these somehow ended up striping a little. The bright blue striped and the golden brown, pale lavender, fuschia, violet and light blue all blended between the stripes. It really is a beautiful effect. They also fit like a glove - so much so that it is a little hard to get them off and on. But once they're on... fuhgettaboutit! I lurv 'em. :)

Happy Super Tuesday!

Okay, so we may not all agree on the direction that we want to see our country head. However, I think that all of us understand how important it is to have their voice heard. Make sure that yours is heard today!

Oh, and it's alright to remind ourselves every once in a while that our craft unites us in more way than one. :)

Image is, of course, courtesy of The Great Franklin Habit. Thanks for the light spin on a very exciting campaign year, Franklin!

Good Friends, Great Reasons to Knit

I recently re-discovered a good friend of mine from a while ago. She is a fabulous person and why we let our friendship slowly lose speed, I have no idea. I think that we were both going through different phases and had our priorities listed a little differently. However, she and I occasionally do find each other on IM and send a "hello." Recently, she found me on IM and told me that she is pregnant! I'm so thrilled for her, I just can't tell you. She and her honey "eloped" this past Wednesday and had a wonderful co-ed baby shower today. Some good friends of the newly-expectant (and newlywed!) couple threw a fabulous shindig and a good time was definitely had by all. I left feeling a bit sad and a lot happy. I am sad for the time that we lost between us and that we might have to start a little bit over again, but I am so overwhelmingly happy for Mary and her wonderful new life. She is an amazing person and I couldn't be happier for her. I'm sending her hearts right now. :)

Here is Baby Sierra's new non-Hoodie Baby Blanket. Well, the reality is that I hardly followed anything at all in the pattern. In fact, I think that the only thing that I did do was the edging.

Pattern: Hoodie Baby Blanket by Nikol Lohr

Yarn: Cascade Luna, 2 skeins ea. of colors #709, 722, 725 and one skein of color #710 (for edging)

Needles: 47" US 7, several of them for edging (that's probably what cost the most!)

Mods: Decided against hood when it was finished and I placed it on the blanket - it looked too busy; used Cascade Luna instead of Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Dyed Cotton; used US7 instead of US8, which was obviously not that big a deal; CO 120 sts instead of 100 (to accomodate for changes in gauge); used alternating stripes and used the seed-stitch pattern during rows of color-change (the pattern used in the Tulip/Rocketry cardigans).

Aren't the colors just sweet?! :) I can't wait to meet Sierra!

Anastasia's Non-Christmas Cacti

Well, these were supposed to be socks that I could wear for Christmas, but I didn't put the pressure on myself. So now they are just simply socks to wear anytime. Who needs an occasion to wear these ones, though?

Pattern: Anastasia by Pepperknits

Yarn: Emily Parson's Sophie's Toes in Christmas Cactus colorway

Needles: One 47" Addi Turbo circular (I'm really loving doing socks on these!)

Mods: The only mod that I made was to knit the cuff in 2x2 ribbing for 1 1/2". There was no need to make any other mods since the pattern is perfect as is. :)