Knitting Only Socks

Christmas Dreams Baby Socks

2011-12-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Needles: 2.25 dpn
Yarn: unknown from stash
Pattern: Same as for Jingle Bells socks.

Jingle Bell Socks

2011-12-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

Needles: 2.25 dpn
Yarn: 90% merino wool, 10% nylon from AlpacaJoe on Etsy. Colorway: Jingle Bells
Pattern: My Favorite Sock Pattern

12 in 2012

2011-12-13T13:48:00.001-08:00

Here's a knit-along I've joined. The goal is to knit at least 12 pairs of socks in 2012 using yarn from stash. See here for details.

Mistletoe Socks

2011-12-10T12:11:00.001-08:00

Needles: 2.25 dpn
Yarn: 90% Superwash merino, 10% nylon, 385 yards from AlpacaJoe on Etsy. Colorway: Mistletoe
Pattern: plain stockinette

How I Do That

2011-11-20T06:30:00.001-08:00

Several people have asked me how I knit so many socks each month, along with knitting items for charity and hand quilting doll and full sized quilts and reading a minimum of 100 books a year. (You can find links to my other blogs where I talk about these other projects on the sidebar.)

Here's how I can accomplish so much:

1. I only work two days a week. My husband is retired and he does a lot of the cleaning, errand running, and cooking.

2. I am in relatively good health. I don't have arthritis or back problems or any other chronic medical condition which limits me or causes pain.

3. My four children are all grown and on their own, but I don't have any grandchildren yet to keep me occupied.

4. I get up between 4:30 am and 6:00 am every morning. Obviously I am a morning person. I organize my day so that I'm doing work I have to concentrate on mid-morning, when I'm most alert and energetic. I alternate doing something physical (raking leaves, doing house work or yard work, going to the gym or for a walk) with my sitting down projects throughout the day.

5. My strongest personality trait is persistence. I don't give up. I set high goals for myself.

6. I'm flexible. If a project isn't turning out the way I want it to, if I can't afford to buy the materials or tools I need for a project, or if I come across a project I just *have* to do now, I'll change my plans.

7. I am a list maker. I make lists of what I want to do each day, each week, and each month. I don't always get everything accomplished, but the lists help keep me focused.

8. I'm careful about how I commit my time. I work two days a week as a librarian and archivist at a university library and one morning a week volunteering, accepting consignments at a thrift shop which uses the proceeds for scholarships. I joined a quilt guild for a while, but I realized their focus was on art quilts while I prefer traditional quilts. It was not a good fit for me and so I dropped it.

9. I document what I do in these blogs. This way I can see what I've accomplished. It encourages me to do more.

10. I have fun! That's really the whole point, isn't it?

Slate Socks

2011-11-19T15:46:00.000-08:00

Needles: 2.75 dpn
Yarn: Fannie's Fingering Weight 400 yards 4 ounces, 80% merino, 20% nylon. Colorway: Slate
Pattern: Plain stockinette over 52 stitches

Cranberry Socks

2011-11-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

Needles: 2.75 dpn
Yarn: 70% merino wool 30% silk; 430 yards. Colorway: Ruby Lips. From The March Hare on Etsy.
Pattern: Autumn Lace.

Fairy Glen Baby Socks

2011-11-07T11:33:00.000-08:00

Yarn: Unknown
Needles: 3.25 dpn
Stitch pattern:
Rnd 1: *sl1, k2, psso, p2*
Rnd 2: *k1, yo, k1, p2*
Rnds 3 and 4: *k3,p2*

Done over 40 stitches

Blazing Woods Socks

2011-11-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Needles: 3.25 dpn
Yarn: 100% superwash merino 2 ply wool; 100 gms/440 yds from SeeJayneKnits on Etsy. Colorway: Autumn Blaze
Pattern: Plain stockinette

I had to start this sock several times because I was having a problem with colors pooling. Using 3.25 needles and doing K2, P2 ribbing over 60 stitches, did the trick.

More Sock Yarn!

2011-11-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

I just saw that I've won some sock yarn from Sock a Month. It's gorgeous! I can hardly wait to receive it so that I can fondle it and let it tell me what kind of socks it wants to be.

Soctoberfest!

2011-10-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled I was able to knit four pairs of socks (one pair was a baby pair) this month, especially as I went through a few days of the stomach flu followed by a week with a bad cold. Although I didn't go to work on those days I was too sick to knit so it was a wash. I'm feeling better now and have begun the first pair of socks for November. I'm also looking at some other projects including charity knitting and making doll quilts.

Nevermore Socks

2011-10-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.25 dpnhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Yarn: 100 grams/438 yards of 50% superwash Falkland British Merino Wool and 50% silk. Colorway: The Raven from LolaDoodles on Etsy. The seller describes the color as "Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven, this yarn is hand-painted in rich, multi-layered hues of iridescent blacks, greens, blues and violets--as reflected in the feathers of that pesky bird."

Pattern: Hedgerow Socks. Pattern can be found here

Blackberry Pie! Socks

2011-10-17T08:43:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.25 dpn
Yarn: 3.5 oz/ 460 yards 75% merino wool, 25% nylon from WoolCandy on Etsy. Colorway: Pie!
Pattern: Blackberry Brambles by Irishgirlieknits

Pumpkin Patch Socks

2011-10-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Needles: 3.24 mm double pointed
Yarn: 75% superwash wool/25% nylon; 455 yds, fingering weight from The March Hare (Meg Warren) on Etsy
Pattern: Summer Lovin' (free pattern) See here.

Rain Clouds Baby Socks

2011-10-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Made from unknown leftover yarn, these socks were knit over 36 stitches and uses this stitch pattern:
Rnd 1: k3, p3
Rnd 2: k1, p1

Berry Tart Baby Socks

2011-09-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

These were made from some leftover Koiga yarn. The stitch pattern is the same as the Heirloom Tomatoes sock I just finished.

Heirloom Tomato Socks

2011-08-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Yarn: 80% Superwash Merino/10% Cashmere/10% Nylon 100gm/435yards of fingering weight yarn. Colorway: Heirloom Tomatoes. From Catawampas Farm on Etsy.
Needles: 2.25 dpn
Pattern: Variation on Cloud Nine Socks by Debbie Orr. Pattern available free on Ravelry, here.

Firefly Baby Socks

2011-08-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

I made this pair of socks from leftover yarn.

By the Sea Socks

2011-08-08T12:16:00.000-07:00

The stitch pattern is a simple one:
Rnd 1: K1, P1
Rnd 2: K3, P3

The yarn is from Meg Warren on Etsy.

These socks are a reminder of our recent trip to the Oregon coast.

Watermelon Socks

2011-08-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

I bought this yarn last March from Knitpurlgurl on Etsy. Knit in plain stockinette stitch they were fast, fun, and easy. I worked on them during our vacation trip to the Oregon coast and finished them today. I love them!

I even had enough yarn left over to make a little hat for Calvin's Hats. See picture and details here.

Hurry Spring! Socks

2011-03-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

Needles: Size 1
Wool: 420 yard skein of hand-painted Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Select, a pure superwash merino fingering weight yarn. Colorway: Holiday Ornaments from AlaskanNancy on Etsy.
Pattern: Plain stockinette over 54 stitches

Daffodil Baby Socks

2011-03-05T10:51:00.000-08:00

Needles: Size 2
Yarn: Leftover yarn Summer Sun by March Hare on Etsy. 75/25 Superwash merino/nylon
Pattern: Infant Socks, a free pattern found here. Modified by reducing number of stitches to 36 and using a K2,P2 ribbing.

Sage Leaf Socks Done!

2011-02-28T14:39:00.001-08:00

Needles: 2.0 mm dpn
Yarn: Merino superwash sock yarn, 80% merino and 20% bamboo from WoolCandy on Etsy. Colorway: Olive
Pattern: Embossed Leaves from Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave, ed. by Ann Budd

I started these socks last September and have finally completed them!

Organizing My Yarn

2011-01-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

I spent all of yesterday organizing my yarn and ended up with two large (18 gallon size) Rubbermaid storage totes and four file boxes. The storage totes hold my sock yarns and the others everything else. Everything is sorted by type of yarn and color. I also sorted my leftover sock yarn into gallon ziplock bags. I have two filled with fingerweight leftover and one with heavier (sock and dk weight). I'm hoping to use these to make Monstersocks.

I found some yarns I'd forgotten I had. I also couldn't find some I was certain I had, but I'll keep looking!

Wearing Socks!

2011-01-11T07:10:00.001-08:00

The weather folks are predicting snow and freezing rain today so I'm wearing my socks. They may look strange paired with a skirt, but my feet will be warm!

Citron Vert Baby Socks

2011-01-09T10:39:00.001-08:00

Lime Baby Socks, the first pair for 2011! I am busy knitting shop samples for the four classes I'll be teaching in the next couple of months and won't be able to work on more socks until I'm done. Hopefully, that will be by the end of next week!

These socks are made of leftover yarn, 100% Superwash merino wool yarn in fingering weight, I bought on Etsy from Evermore Studios on Etsy. I used size 2 needles and the stitch pattern is a double seed stitch.

Monstersocks!

2011-01-04T04:55:00.000-08:00

I am being overwhelmed with baskets full of small balls of wool yarn left over from my sock knitting. What to do? I was intrigued by this idea which I first saw on a blog I read regularly, SockLadySpins. What a great idea! I may try that!

Looking Forward to 2011

2010-12-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

I am not going to be as ambitious with sock knitting next year. Instead of trying to knit six pairs of socks a month (four pairs of adult socks and two pairs of baby socks) which is what I tried to do this year and then burned out at the end, I'll try instead to knit two pairs of adults socks and one pair of baby socks a month. If I can manage more, great, but knitting is supposed to fun, not a chore.

I am spending some time fondling my yarn and putting together "kits" of yarns and patterns in quart-sized ziploc bags so I'm better prepared. I'm also making lists. Oh, yes! I am a very prolific list maker. My friend Margaret, who is also a librarian, shared with me that she makes little boxes next to each item on her lists so that she can check each item off as it's completed. I've begun doing that too, but I have to admit I still scratch it off. That is so satisfying!

Baby Bunny Baby Socks

2010-12-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

Needles: 2.0mm dpn
Yarn: Unknown; from stash
Pattern: My Favorite Sock Pattern (free)

I wanted to knit this pattern again in a solid yarn so I could more clearly see the pattern.

I apologize for the poor quality of the photograph. It's 3:30 pm and we're having another storm. It's hail and rain and sometimes snowflakes, but the snow isn't sticking to the ground. At least not yet. Still, it's gray and dark outside so I had to take this photo using a flash.

I'm Knitting as Fast as I Can!

2010-12-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to finish up the samples I'm making for the classes I'll be teaching January through March. Unfortunately, there are no socks among them. The shop already has someone who's teaching a basic sock class. I'd love to teach a workshop on how to design socks, but the shop owner doesn't think that will fly. As I teach my classes, though, I'll talk to the students I have and see if I can drum up some interest.

I am also knitting socks! Yes, they are baby socks, but they are socks! I have one finished and I'm almost to the heel of the second. I will try to get them done by the end of the year and post a photo. I'll also update my blog sidebar. Stay tuned!

Where are the Socks??!!

2010-11-26T08:56:00.000-08:00

I've been distracted by other things and other knitting the past few weeks and my sock knitting has temporarily been put aside.

The breast-biopsy-with-pathology-reports-with-various-opinions problem has finally been resolved. There was never a question that the biopsy showed cancer, but rather that I had a something (atypia) which indicated that the biopsy, which is only a sample, had missed picking up cancer. The usual way of dealing with that is surgery--sometimes called an excisional biopsy and sometimes a lumpectomy. I didn't want to have surgery unnecessarily and researched this topic extensively. Some researchers insisted that it was always necessary to have surgery and others, more and more of them in papers published in 2010, said if the biopsy had removed all of the microcalcifications (which mine had) close follow up would be all right. I wasn't thrilled about having diagnostic mammograms every six months for two to three years either. Two things helped resolve the problem. The first and most important was yet another pathology opinion, this one from Dr. David L. Page, a breast pathologist at Vanderbilt, who is considered to be one of the world's expert on the subject. His report said there was no atypia and that "routine mammographic surveillance is appropriate". I also had a diagnostic mammogram and the radiologist report came back "Benign. Recommend routine mammographic follow up". So that's over. Yay for that!

Now to knitting. I taught a class at my local yarn shop --Fiber Nooks and Crannys-- earlier this month. It was on learning how to knit cables by knitting a cable hat. I had four students and it was a lot of fun. Now, of course, I want to teach more classes--one making lace and cable fingerless mitts, one making a lace cowl, one making a hat with lace and cables which look like hearts, and another on mittens with bobbles. I am busily making models for these and writing a description of the classes for the shop owner.

Add to that working two days a week at the library and going to the gym three times a week plus reading, quilting (not much, but a little), and just living my life and the upcoming holidays, plus my birthday and wedding anniversary, and my days are full.

Yes, I will go back to sock knitting. I just don't know quite when that'll be. My best guess is the end of December.

Sweet Dreams (baby socks)

2010-10-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.0mm dpn
Yarn: Koigu KKPM 2235 (solid) and Koigu KKPM 102 (multi-color)
Pattern: Plain stockinette

Socks for Afghanistan

2010-10-03T15:23:00.001-07:00

Needles: 4.25 dpn
Yarn: Lambs Pride Worsted, 85% wool and 15% mohair. Colorway: M-75 Blue Heirloom
Pattern: My Basic Socks (free)

These socks were made for afghans for Afghans This pair knit up in less than two hours.

Leftover Sock Yarn

2010-10-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

So, you may be wondering. Just what does one do with leftover sock yarn? Well, one answer is make baby socks and that's what I do. Yet I still have sock yarn left over. In fact, I have a LOT of sock yarn left over!

One idea is to make more socks, striping several different yarns and/or stitches and I like that idea. I'll begin, however, with making a pair of baby socks that way; it's on the schedule for this month. I have other ideas too and will work on these from now until the end of the year.

And all those tiny little snips of yarn? I save those in a glass jar. In the spring I'll put them out for the birds to use to decorate their nests.

Distracted a Bit

2010-10-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

I've been distracted with knitting socks for afghans for Afghans.

They are knit, as requested, of worsted weight wool. I am using Lamb's Pride. Photos and pattern will be posted in the next few days.

This is from the e-mail they sent recently sent to me:

Another 300 pairs of our wool socks were distributed to girls at a school in Kabul. Our same Afghan hero -- who previously distributed our socks to a shelter for women and kids -- was terrific again in making this happen so quickly. We hope to get permission to post some of the photos on our website. In the meantime, we know you want to hear that the girls got their socks. We've got another set of 310 socks waiting in Kabul for distribution. We'll keep you posted as always.

We'll keep accepting socks for the next several weeks as we await confirmation of the next campaign, which is likely to include socks. We're not worried about having too many socks, and we will get them to Afghanistan.

Here are the guidelines for the socks campaign --
http://www.afghansforafghans.org/sockscampaign2010.html

General guidelines and mail address are here --
http://www.afghansforafghans.org/blanket.html

And ... we will also welcome *wool mittens*. Sizes should be from 7 years through teens. Nothing smaller or bigger, please. We'll include these mittens with a socks shipment or save them for the next campaign. Mittens won't take up much space in our very limited storage/work space at AFSC.

Between now and October 18 is just the right amount of time to whip up a pair of socks or mittens and pop in an envelope to us. Be sure to please tie together.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

** What's Ahead **

We've almost finalized plans for a new campaign for youth. We have started a new relationship with an experienced non-governmental organization that operates schools, serves internally displaced people, and provides other social services in Afghanistan. Their container transit is reliably orchestrated and financed by a US-based, long-established organization here. Their students are in need of our wool knitwear. We just have to conclude a few more details before being 100% certain, but feel confident enough to let you know where we are heading in the hopes that you will start planning. The age group is probably 7 - 16 years, and the kids will probably need sweaters, vests, hats, mittens, and, of course, socks.

Autumn Leaves Socks

2010-09-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.0mm dpn
Yarn: Farmhouse Yarns Fannie's Fingering, 80% merino, 20% nylon. Colorway: Chocolate from The Loopey Ewe
Pattern: My Favorite Sock Pattern (free)

I really like this pattern, but the variegated yarn made it hard to see. I'm using this pattern to make Baby Bunny baby socks using a soft, solid gray yarn.

Next Month

2010-09-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

I have almost finished knitting the second Autumn Leaves sock, the last pair for September, and will post details and a photo tomorrow.

I've made a list of socks I want to knit in October or, as it's better known among sock knitters, Socktoberfest! This year is the sixth year. The Ravelry link is here. There's also a Flickr page here.

October is also Oregon Archives Month and as I spend the majority of my work time at the Oregon State University Archives (Go Beavs!), October will be a busy month for me.

Let October sock knitting begin!

Bébé (baby socks)

2010-09-23T11:06:00.001-07:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 100% merino wool fingering weight from WoolCandy on Etsy in Candy Floss colorway
Pattern:
Rnd 1 and all odd rnds: K
Rnd 2, 4 and 6: *yo, k2tog*
Rnd 8, 10, and 12: *ssk, yo*

Blue Moon Socks

2010-09-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.0 mm dpn
Yarn: Farmhouse Yarns Fannie's Fingering 80% merino, 20% nylon from Purl Soho. Colorway: Teal
Pattern: Reims from Sock Club: Join the Knitting Adventure by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott, page 56-57

Little Green Apples Socks

2010-09-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.0mm dpn
Yarn: Farmhouse Yarns Fannie's Fingering. Colorway: Avocado from Coveted Yarn
Pattern: Daydreamer from Sock Club by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott

More Stash Enhancement

2010-09-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

Caramel, Golden Pear, and Harvest

Three more skeins of Fannie's Fingering from Farmhouse Yarns. I bought these mail order from Connecticut Yarn and Wool Company. The colors weren't quite what I expected. The Caramel has more red in it than brown and the Golden Pear is more green than gold. I still like them though.

Marigolds Socks

2010-09-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.0 mm dpn
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Select from AlaskanNancy on Etsy Colorway: Marigolds
Pattern: Marigold Socks

Blue Jeans Baby (baby socks)

2010-09-14T09:08:00.001-07:00

Needles: dpn 2.25mm
Yarn: Araucania 70% Superwash Merino, 15% Bamboo, and 15% Silk Colorway: Sky from The Loopy Ewe
Pattern: Eyelet Cable (multiple of 5)
Rnd 1: *sl1,k2,psso,p2*
Rnd 2: *k1,yo,k1,p2*
Rnd 3: *k3,p2*
Rnd 4: Repeat round 3

Stash Enhancement

2010-09-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

Three skeins of Farmhouse Yarns Fannie's Fingering.
From left to right: Teal, Buttercream, Watermelon

And three more:

From left to right: Olive, Boysenberry, Wine Rose

Sock Book

2010-09-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

Before buying a sock book, I first get it from the library to see if it has enough patterns I like to make it worthwhile buying. The latest book I'm waiting for is Around the World in Knitted Socks: 26 Inspired Designs by Stephanie van der Linden. I'll post a review once I get the book.

September Sock of the Month

2010-09-06T10:52:00.001-07:00

Blackberry Hedge Socks
Needles: 2.0 mm dpn
Yarn: 51% Silk, 29% Superwash Merino, 20% Seacell Hand Maiden Swiss Mountain Sea Sock. Colorway: Blackberry from The Loopy Ewe
Pattern: Rib Fantastic socks from Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn by Carol J. Sulcoski

Nothing But Blue Skies Socks

2010-08-27T13:04:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.75mm dpn
Yarn: Claudia Handpainted 100% merino wool from The Loopy Ewe Colorway: Gemstone
Pattern: Plain stockinette pattern using 48 stitches

This is the last of my socks for August. As you can see my sock knitting mojo is back! Yay for that!

I've taken off work for most of the summer as I've dealt with some serious health issues and I'm really looking forward to going back working at the both the university main ref desk and the Archives ref desk at the end of September. I probably will not complete as many socks next month as I did in August. We'll see.

Falling Stars Socks

2010-08-25T16:15:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.0mm dpn
Yarn: Fingering weight 80% merino, 20% nylon 400 yards from Farmhouse Yarns purchased from Loopy Ewe. Colorway: Teal
Pattern: Blue Crush from The Joy of Sox by Linda Kopp, pp. 120-123.

Another Update

2010-08-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

When my youngest son was four, he became fascinated with earthworms. I learned more about earthworms than I ever wanted to know. Now I'm learning about breast cancer, pathology reports, medical jargon, and the medical and insurance systems and it too, is far more than I ever wanted to know.

I met with the breast surgeon yesterday. We agreed to first get confirmation that the biopsy adequately sampled the lesion. If it is we will get a third biopsy report, this one from Vanderbilt University Breast Center which my research identified as having the most experienced pathologists in diagnosing the marker the first biopsy report said I had and the second one said I didn't. If I have the marker there's a 20-30% chance I also have cancer and I'll agree to have a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) to find out. If I don't, my medical records will be amended to show that I am not at high risk for invasive cancer. I should have the answer in a week or two. So again, I wait.

August Sock of the Month

2010-08-16T20:01:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.75mm dpn
Yarn: Claudia Handpainted 100% merino wool from The Loopy Ewe Colorway: Jonquil
Pattern: Merrily

I named this pair With Sprinkles thinking of an ice cream cone with sprinkles as a special summertime treat.

Pink Lemonade Baby Socks

2010-08-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.25mm dpn
Yarn: From WoolCandy on Etsy
Pattern: Adaptation of Sensu from Knitted Socks East and West by Judy Sumner

Cool Cucumber Socks

2010-08-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.5mm dpn
Yarn: Sugar Baby Sock Yarn, 100% Superwash merino wool yarn from evermorestudios on Etsy. Colorway: Cucumber
Pattern: Kaiso from Knitted Socks East and West by Judy Sumner

Orangeade Baby Socks

2010-08-12T07:01:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.25 dpn
Yarn: 100% Superwash Merino 2-ply from SeeJaneKnitYarns on Etsy. Colorway: Psychotic Pumpkin
Pattern: Modified pattern stitch from Knitted Socks East and West by Judy Sumner Geisha pattern
Multiple of 6 stitches:
Rnds: 1-4, 6-8, and 10-12: *k1-tbl, p3, k1-tbl, p1*
Rnds 5, 9, and 13: *Skp, yo, p1, yo, k2tog, p1*

Pink Ribbons Socks and Update

2010-08-08T10:12:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.5mm dpn
Yarn: Koigu KPPM 2231
Pattern: Pink Ribbon

Note: Here's an update. After reading this article in the New York Times, Doubt About Pathology Opinions for Early Breast Cancer, I requested a second opinion pathology report, this one from a breast pathologist even though I was diagnosed, not with cancer, but with a non-malignant condition which is considered to be an increased risk of later breast cancer development. This diagnosis would require that I undergo an open surgical biopsy to make sure they hadn't missed cancer and would forever label me as high risk. The second pathology report stated that I did not have this condition. I now have an appointment with a breast surgeon for the 17th to determine what the next steps are.

July Sock of the Month (Late)

2010-08-07T15:25:00.001-07:00

Wheat Field
Needles: 2.5mm dpn
Yarn: 100% Superwash merino wool yarn, 475+ yards/100 grams/3.50 oz. Colorway: Antique Gold from evermorestudios on Etsy
Pattern: Simple Skyp, a free pattern available from Ravelry

Wheat Field Socks

2010-08-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

I've almost finished this pair of socks, but didn't quite get them done in July. I am going on vacation for a few days and won't be able to post a photo until then. I am going to cheat, though, and call them my July Socks of the Month.

Green Tea Baby Socks

2010-07-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Needles:
Yarn: 100% superwash Blue Faced Leiceser wool 100 grams from Black Trillium on Etsy.
Colorway: Froggy
Pattern Stitch: Ribbing is two rounds purl, three round stockinette repeated three times, then plain stockinette stitch

Cherry Ripe Baby Socks

2010-07-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 75/25 blend of superwash merino and nylon from Stricken Smitten on Etsy. Colorway is Vintage
Pattern Stitch:
Rnd 1: *yo, p3 tog, yo, p1,k1,p1*
Rnds 2-4: *k3, p1,k1,p1*

Skitty the Pretty Kitty

2010-07-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

This is Skitty who belongs to my son Owen and his wife Sarah. They are on a vacation in Canada and we are cat sitting him for the next few weeks. Skitty has the run of the house except for my quilt room where I also keep my yarn stash.

Scary Stuff

2010-07-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

If you were very observant you may noticed that one of the sock patterns I listed for this month was Pink Ribbons. Yes, breast cancer is the second major health concern for me in less than two months. I went for a routine screening mammogram in mid-June which led to a diagnostic one followed by a recommendation that I have a core biopsy done on "a small cluster of tightly packed mildly pleomorphic calcifications" which was described as suspicious. Terrified much? Oh, yes. It was two weeks from the time I was told I'd need a biopsy until I heard the results. And the results was no cancer but a spot of atypical hyperplasia which could become cancer with a recommendation that the entire area be surgically removed. There's also a 2%-15% chance the final pathology report might show cancer. I'm not done.

In the past two weeks I've done a lot of research on biopsies, kinds of breast cancers, and about different treatments including surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. And I did a lot of serious thinking. I learned a lot; most of all, I learned about myself. Breast cancer means having to make serious decisions based on people's opinions, scientific literature, and balancing risks of some treatments with those of other treatments or no treatments at all. How much do I want to live, no matter what, and for how long? How important is my quality of life? How much of a risk taker am I?

So I am making these socks designed by Lisa Lloyd. The pattern is free. You can find it here. It seems that the server is a bit wonky, however, and the pattern comes and goes. If you want it and can't access it, please let me know and I'll forward it to you as a file. I am modifying the ribbon part of the pattern as described here.

And if you're a woman over 40 and you haven't gotten a mammogram in the past year, then get one. It could save your life.

Stairway to Heaven Socks

2010-06-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 75% superwash merino/25% nylon, colorway Quicksilver from Unwind Yarn on Etsy
Pattern Stitch:
Rnd 1: P3, K1
Rnd 2: P1, Yo, P2tog, K1
Rnds 3,4,and 5: K

Wild Rosehip Socks

2010-06-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 75% Merino wool, 25% nylon yarn from WoolCandy on Etsy in Ice Cream colorway
Pattern Stitch:
Rnds 1 and 2: K3, P2
Rnd 3: Sl1, K2, PSSO, P2
Rnd 4: K1, YO, K1, P2

Ten Things

2010-06-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Frieda challenged some other knitting bloggers to list ten things others may not know about them. Here's my list:

1. I have long hair I wear in a braid.
2. My first language was French; I didn't learn English until I was five years old.
3. I love the scent of lemons.
4. I've raised milk goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, and geese.
5. I've never had a manicure.
6. It doesn't take much to make me happy.
7. I was better at hop scotch than at jumping rope.
8. My favorite book when I was 12 was Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter.
9. I hate spiders.
10. I collect antique and unusual buttons.

Book Review: The Joy Of Sox

2010-06-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Joy of Sox by Linda Kopp is fast becoming my favorite sock book. I haven't made one of the 30 patterns by 28 designers in it as yet but I know I will end up making many of them. Some are challenging; all are gorgeous. The book is hardcover with a spiral binding making it easy to knit with which is a definite plus. The photographs are lovely. Along with the patterns, there are lots of tips, all presented with a flirty innuendo. Some of the sock pattern names are A Roll in the Hay, Spring Fling and Last of the Red Hot Lovers. You get the idea. There are also a few treats such as the story of Crazy Aunt Purl's first time knitting socks and advice from Shannon Okey and Laura Bryant on how color repeats work when knitting socks.

Struggling

2010-06-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

I'm still struggling with my diabetes diagnosis as I try to finish at least one pair of socks this month. My blood sugars are much improved due to three different drugs, plus drastic diet changes, and walking five miles a day, but I am exhausted. Some of that is due to getting used to normal blood sugar levels, to the side effects of the drugs, and the increased exercise. I also have an unresolved thyroid problem which I hope will be straightened out soon; I'll know more about that when I have a blood test which is now scheduled for mid-July. And there is yet another serious health issue I'm dealing with as well; more about that at the end of the week.

In the meantime, what about sock knitting? I'm finishing the toe of the first Stairway to Heaven sock and I've started the heel of the second Wild Rosehips sock. Hopefully I will get at least one pair finished so that I can post a photo to the Sock A Month website. I've changed my list of June socks to just these two pairs and hope I have the chance to work on the socks I'd intended to do in June next month.

My son Owen and his wife Sarah are going on a month long vacation starting next Monday and John and I will be cat sitting Skitty the Pretty Kitty. Photos will be forthcoming.

I'm Back!

2010-06-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

First of all, just what WAS in that package for my beautiful daughter-in-law? Why a pair of socks, of course! I had hoped to take a photo of her in her socks at her birthday party, but as usual, I forgot my camera. Here is a photo of the socks taken when I knit them in May of 2009.
If you haven't already guessed, her favorite color is purple. I think she liked them.

And now for the rest of the story. The reason I've neglected this blog and, for that matter, knitting in general, is because I've been diagnosed with diabetes. Yeah, I know. Bummer. It's hell getting old, but it's better than the alternative. I've spent the last month seeing various doctors, taking different combinations and doses of oral meds, changing my diet, researching articles and websites, and walking five miles a day. This is a time consuming and very expensive disease. The good thing is that it's something I can control. The bad thing is that I do have to keep control over it and do it every single day. My blood sugar levels were very high and I am happy that I wasn't put on insulin first thing. That said, I also know that the oral meds won't work forever and eventually I will be on insulin. Just not yet. My blood sugar numbers are now close to normal, I'm losing weight, and I have much more energy. I also don't have any complications and I want to keep it that way.

On to knitting! I've finished one of the Wild Rose Hip socks and begun the second and I'm just about to start the heel of the first Stairway to Heaven sock, but I don't have any pairs finished for this month. These two patterns were listed for May but life got in the way. I will post photos as soon as I've completed a pair.

In the meantime I will continue to follow Elizabeth Zimmermann's advice:
Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises.

A Gift

2010-05-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

This photo is of a birthday gift I've wrapped to give to my daughter-in-law, Sarah. I'm sure you can guess what my gift is but I'm not going to reveal it until I give it to her at the Memorial Day barbecue at her parents' house.

Old Fashioned Lilacs Socks

2010-05-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: Koigu (#2235)
Pattern: Lilacs, a free pattern on Ravelry

Apple Blossom Time Baby Socks

2010-05-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Needles: Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 100% merino wool fingering weight from WoolCandy on Etsy in Candy Floss colorway (leftover from Celebrate Spring socks)
Stitch Pattern:
Rnd 1: K2,P2
Rnd 2: K2tog,yo,P2

Simply Sweet Baby Socks

2010-05-13T07:54:00.001-07:00

Needles: Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: Swiss Mountain Sea Sock (51% silk 29% superwash merino, 20% seacell. Colorway: Salt Spray from The Loopy Ewe
Pattern: A simple one:
Rnd 1: K3,P3
Rnd 2: K1, P1

Rosebuds Socks

2010-04-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: Koigu; color #2233
Pattern:
Rnd 1: *K2, P1, YO, K2tog, P1*
Rnds 2 and 4: *K2, P1*
Rnd 3: K2, P1, K2tog, YO, P1*

Spring Fern Socks

2010-04-18T16:59:00.001-07:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 100% superwash merino from WoolCandy on Etsy. Colorway: Swamp Monster
Pattern: Free pattern available from The Loopy Ewe

Raindrop Baby Socks

2010-04-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Wool: Leftover yarn from April Breeze socks. Araucania Yarn. Fingerweight. 70% Superwash Merino, 15% Bamboo, 15% Silk Colorway: Sky from The Loopy Ewe
Pattern: Eyelet cable (multiple of 5)
Rnd 1: P2 *Sl1 K2,PSSO,P2; repeat to last 3 stitches, Sl1, K2, PSSO
Rnd 2: P2, *K1, YO, K1, P2*; repeat to last 2 stitches, K1, YO, K1
Rnd 3: P2, *K3, P2*; repeat to last 3 stitches, K3
Rnd 4: repeat round 3

Fleur Baby Socks

2010-04-11T14:18:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Wool: Leftover from Crocus Socks knit in March; Fresh Fig Marzipan colorway from WoolCandy on Etsy
Pattern: Stitch pattern is baby cable rib

April Breeze Socks

2010-04-05T15:35:00.001-07:00

Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Pattern:Summer Lovin a free pattern through Ravelry
Yarn: Araucania Yarn. Fingerweight. 70% Superwash Merino, 15% Bamboo, 15% Silk Colorway: Sky from The Loopy Ewe

Life is But a Dream Socks

2010-04-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

Needles: Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: Swiss Mountain Sea Sock (51% silk 29% superwash merino, 20% seacell. Colorway: Salt Spray from The Loopy Ewe
Pattern: Merrily by IrishgirleKnits

This yarn is spendy, but oh! so soft and wonderful to knit!

History Of Hand Knitting (Book Review)

2010-03-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to get a copy of A History of Hand Knitting by Richard Rutt (with a foreward by Meg Swanson) published by Interweave Press in 1987 through inter-library loan. There must not be too many copies of it available as mine came from an out of state library. This 248-page book was fascinating to read and includes many black and white photographs I've never seen before. It is an extensive history beginning with a chapter entitled Before 1500. Other chapters include Henry VIII to the Commonwealth, the Restoration to 1835, the Victorian age, the first World War and After, Some Local Traditions of the British Isles, the Americas, and Eastern Knitting. It also has an historical glossary, a bibliography, and an index.

Of course, it includes nothing about the knitting renaissance of the past decade or so and I was especially amused by this section on the end of hand-knitted stockings on page 161 which begins

Socks and stockings were the most frequently hand-knitted garments from the beginning of popular knitting until the 1950s. Today they hardly can be seen, and only the old can remember how to turn a heel without referring to a book. The cheapness of machine-knit stockings, especially when produced in low-wage regions such as East Asia, has finally banished the home-made stocking. Home-made stockings, partly because of knitters' habits, partly because men liked them, survived in dwindling numbers until about 1970. A few patterns only remain in print; and hosiery wool, through still spun, is not readily available. Stockings were always dull work. Today's knitter expects more pleasure from the craft.

Whew!

2010-03-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm taking the rest of the month off from knitting socks. I'm going to plan my flower garden, watch the birds, do ~~some~~ minimal housework, and maybe fondle some yarn.

Murder Mystery Socks

2010-03-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: Bought from La Joie de Fibres by Tricoterie on Etsy
Pattern: Plain stockinette

Spring Fern Socks

2010-03-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 100% superwash merino from WoolCandy on Etsy. Colorway: Swamp Monster
Pattern: Free pattern available from The Loopy Ewe

Rain, Rain Go Away Socks

2010-03-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: Araucania Yarn. Fingerweight. 70% Superwash Merino, 15% Bamboo, 15% Silk Colorway: Thunderstorm from Loopy Ewe
Pattern: River Rapids. Free pattern from Ravelry.

A Loopy Groupie!

2010-03-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, I received my latest order from The Loopy Ewe and am now an official Loopy Groupie! Here's a photo of Loopy (who I've named Louie) with the goodies I bought.

And here he is with all the goodies I received as a new Groupie! No, no Louie! Chocolates are not good things for little sheep to eat! Those are mine!

Here he's checking out my Flickr account!

Little Louie then took a break, snuggling the yarns I plan to use to knit my April socks. Ohhhhh....they are so soft and beautiful. Enjoy, Louie! And welcome home!

Oh, Baby! Baby Socks

2010-03-22T08:41:00.001-07:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: Leftover from adult-sized socks
Pattern: My own, based on a basic baby sock pattern

Stocking Up on Books on CD

2010-03-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a break from movie/mystery DVDs and on this evening's trek to the library stocked up on some books on CD. They include Ruth Rendell's 13 Steps Down; Like a Charm, edited by Karin Slaughter (an unusual book consisting of 16 interconnected stories) and J.A. Jance's Edge of Evil. The only DVDs I could find were Lucy Neatby's Knitting Gems. One is on beading techniques, lace basics with a look at charting, and useful tricks for serene yarn handling and the other demonstrates a variety of cast-ons, even more increases, fancy bind-offs, and daring rescue techniques. Should be fun!

Next week is Spring Break at the university where I work, so I'll only be at the Archives ref desk on Wednesday from 9am-3pm and that's it. The following week, however, brings the beginning of a new term and a very busy schedule for all of April.

Spring Forward Socks

2010-03-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight [100% Superwash Merino; 360yd/329m per 4.5 oz. skein]; color: Footzey-Foo
Pattern: from Knitty

This was a fun and fast pattern and I plan to knit it again.

Robin's Nest Socks

2010-03-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: from AlaskanNancy on Etsy. Colorway is Birds Nest.
Pattern: K3, P1 rib

Loopy Ewe Yarn Order #2

2010-03-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

My second Loopy Ewe order arrived this morning. Here are the newest additions to my stash. They'll also be my last additions for some time.

Farmhouse Yarns (Colorway: Slate)

Farmhouse Yarns (Colorway: Teal)

Swiss Mountain Sea Sock, which is 51% silk. (Colorway: Blooming Orchid)

Swiss Mountain Sea Sock (Colorway: Salt Spray)

Dream in Color (Colorway: Petal Shower)

Araucania (Colorway: Sky)

Araucania (Colorway: Thunderstorms)
I have placed another order with Loopy Ewe, but not for yarns. This order will include patterns and other goodies, including my very own little Loopy guy!

Watching DVDs and Knitting

2010-03-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

I've restocked my stack of DVDs from the library and currently I'm watching the first season of Jeeves and Wooster while knitting the first Robin's Nest sock.

Alternatives to Stockinette

2010-03-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

The Murder Mystery socks are plain stockinette and are very boring to knit. I've finished the first one and started the second, but I'm just not enthusiastic about finishing them. However, I am ~~compulsive~~ determined and have a high need to finish what I start so I shall.

I had begun knitting the Robin's Nest socks in stockinette, also in a self-striping yarn, but ripped it out and began knitting it in a K3, P1 rib. This is much better and going faster than I expected. It's easy without being dull.

I'm making a list of alternatives to stockinette when I don't want to knit a complex stitch pattern. Here are variations on a theme:

K1(tbl),P1 (this is the pattern I used for my Cool River socks)
********************
K2(tbl),P2
********************
K3(tbl),P2

And here are some others:
Rnd: 1:*K1, sl1, k1, yo, psso, yo, K1*
Rnd: 2: *K*
********************
Rnd 1: *K4, p1; rep from *
Rnd 2: *K3, p2; rep from *
Rnd 3: *K2, p3; rep from *
Rnd 4: *K1, p4; rep from *
********************
Rnd 1: *K3, P3*
Rnd 2: *K1, P1*
*******************
Rnd 1: *P1, K2tog, K2, (K1, yo, K1) in next st, K2, ssk, P1*
Rnd 2: *P1, K9, P1*
(See photo here.)

If you know of any other stitch patterns which may be good additions, please add them to the comments. Thanks!

Loopy Ewe Yarn Order #1

2010-03-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, order #1 means there is an order #2 which should be arriving early next week. I'll post a photo of those yarns when I get them. And that will be the end of my yarn splurge.

The colorways is this photo are, from left to right:
Fire (Colinette); Candy Cane (Earthly Hues); Apricot Plum (Scarlet Fleece); Clay (Farmhouse Yarns) and Evergreen (Farmhouse Yarns).

Celebrate Spring Socks

2010-03-09T16:00:00.001-08:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 100% merino wool fingering weight from WoolCandy on Etsy in Candy Floss colorway
Pattern: variation on Celebrate Spring by Anne Budd; available free on Ravelry

Murder Mystery Socks

2010-03-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

I've taken a break from knitting the second Celebrate Spring sock to begin this one while watching a Dorothy Sayers DVD.

I read murder mysteries year round, but I especially enjoy them during the fall and winter. Lying in bed late at night under quilts and comforters, with the rain lashing the windows outside and the wind howling around the corners of the house, reading a delicious who-done-it is one of my secret delights. It's just not the same when the weather is warm and the birds are singing.

This sock pattern is to remind me that the good mystery book reading weather is almost gone and won't be back again until October or November. The yarn is one of my favorites, wonderful to work with and has a beautiful shine. I have bought several skeins of this self-striping, 50% superwash merino 50% tencel yarn from Tricoterie on Etsy.

Today is a perfect day to start such a pair of socks. An Arctic cold front is bringing us colder weather as well as wind, thunderstorms, rain, and hail for the next few days.

Preparing to Knit All Afternoon

2010-03-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

This morning I did the laundry, made a batch of cookies and a pitcher of iced tea to put in this weeks lunches, and put together a chicken cacciatore and put it in the crock pot as soon as I got back from church. Yesterday I checked out a new batch of DVDs from the library-- a Dorothy L. Sayers mystery; Hush...Hush...Sweet Charlotte with Bette Davis and Olivia DeHavilland; the first season of Jeeves and Wooster; Grand Hotel with Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, and Joan Crawford; Lawrence of Arabia; Stage Door with Katherine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers; and a DVD with two Laurel and Hardy features.

I've put the Jeeves and Wooster DVD in my laptop and I should now have at least three or four hours of uninterrupted knitting time until it's time to cook the pasta, make the salad and garlic bread, and set the table for dinner. Alleluia!

Loopy Ewe Spring Sock Kit Arrived!

2010-03-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

When I came home from my weekly errand/shopping trip this afternoon, I found my kit waiting for me at the front door. It includes a skein of spring-colored yarn, two patterns--one for socks by Wendy Johnson and another for a scarf-- plus two shawl sticks! Lovely!

Frustration!

2010-03-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

I spent most of yesterday afternoon and evening plus another couple of hours this morning trying to find the right combination of yarn and needles to make my Celebrate Spring socks. I love this pattern. It's easy to knit and looks lovely. I've just been having trouble finding the right yarn/needles for it to work. I wish I'd taken photos of all my failed efforts so you could see the problems--a variegated yarn which made it too fussy; a springy yarn which hid the lace pattern; a yarn that was too thick and obscured the lace section entirely.

Now I'm using a yarn from WoolCandy on Etsy in the colorway Candy Floss, size 2 needles, and I've reduced the stitches from 70 to 50. This is looking good! I'm going to knit a bit more and take a photo once there's enough light.

Success!!

St. Paddy's Day Baby Socks

2010-03-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: Moss Rock 4 oz/113g 480 m 75% merino wool, 25% nylon from Wool Candy on Etsy (leftover from Pumpkin Vine socks)
Stitch Pattern:
Rnd 1: sl1, k2, psso, k1
Rnd 2: k1, yo, k1, p1
Rnds 3 & 4: k3, p1

Loopy Ewe Sock Club

2010-03-04T06:54:00.000-08:00

I'm one of the lucky ones who got into the Loopy Ewe Sock Club. I found out about it too late last year so this year I was keeping an eye out for the sign-ups. I did, however, miss the valentine's day kits so that's something to watch for next year.

The first kit of the year should be arriving sometime in the next couple of weeks. I'll post photos when I get it. And I think that'll be it for me for yarn additions. At least ~~until summer~~, ~~for a few months~~--ummm, a while anyway.

And More Stash Enhancement!

2010-03-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

These three skeins are the newest ones from AlaskanNancy on Etsy. I should receive all three by the end of the week.

Starry, Starry Night

Chocolate Covered Cherries

Roseate Spoonbill

Crocus Socks

2010-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Needles: Needles: 2.25 mm dpn
Yarn: 75-25 Merino Nylon Blend from WoolCandy on Etsy: Colorway is Fresh Fig Marzipan
Pattern: Hourglass Eyelet Socks, available free on Ravelry

Watching Movies While Knitting

2010-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

I checked out a number of DVDs at the library last night with the idea of watching them on my laptop as I knit. I'm finding this works quite well if the pattern I'm working on isn't too complex. The movies are mainly older, classic ones and some are classic BBC mysteries. The ones I checked out are: The Best Years of Our Lives; The Lady Eve; Mrs. Miniver; Jeeves and Wooster, Vol.1 and 2; Agatha Christie's Dead Man's Folly, and Call Northside 777. I'm thinking of putting some Northern Exposure season DVDs on hold and perhaps looking for more BBC mysteries as well.