Muscle Memory

I love it when a lace pattern becomes second nature and your hands glide along knitting fluidly, halting occasionally to double check because something doesn't feel right.

That something about lace that compels you to just knit 1 more repeat and another and then 1 more after that.


This is my new favorite pattern and it looks great in all the semi-solid hand dyed yarns that are so popular right now.


Pattern: Child's First Sock in Shell Pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush
Needles: US 1, 2.25 mm Kollage square dpns
Yarns: Madelinetosh, Tosh Sock in Mourning Dove, Knit Picks Stroll Tonal in Gypsy and BMFA Socks That Rock Lightweight in Rose Quartz.

Blogland Redux

So it has been forever since I have posted to the blog and there is a huge back log of finished knits to rave about. It is a daunting task so I have decided that I might as well start with the most recent and show you some older projects as time allows.
I am finally working again so there is somewhat less time for blogging and knitting. I'm sure you can guess which activity takes precedence.
Hubby asked me to knit some socks for his dad's birthday a couple weeks ago. He came with me to Twisted and we picked out a skein of yarn with a LOT of yardage as his dad wear size 13 wide.
I knit Holidazed again because it is a fabulous pattern that seems to be very forgiving in the fit department and also wonderful to knit.
These are the biggest socks I have ever made.

Pattern: Holidazed by Anne Hanson
Needles: US 1.5, 2.25mm
Yarn: Punta Yarns Merisock Handpainted, also some Shibuiknits Sock in Ink for contrasting heel and toe.

This skein of sock yarn was an incredible 463 yards and I had some left over, maybe even enough for the heels and toes but I think the contrast worked out nicely.

Recession Stash Bust 2009-Episode 1

These were actually began before I was laid off but as they are made entirely of leftover bits of sock yarn in the stash they qualify. They are as ridiculously crazy as expected and I can hardly wait until it is cold enough to wear them out.
The pictures are not great as it is difficult to photograph knee socks on oneself and I did not want to interrupt the tireless job searching efforts of M for fear that I may be knitting in a cardboard box some day not so distant.


I started off recording what all the bits of yarn were. I think I have all from the left sock but lost interest and/or wasn't sure about some in the right. The cool thing is I can look at these and remember so many sock projects, mostly for other people. It's like a time capsule of sock knitting that I can wear. Thank Goddess for the stash! I'm off to work on Episode #2. If you have access to Ravelry more details can be found here.

Socks for Lisa

Pattern: Holidazed
Yarn: BMFA Socks that Rock Lightweight in Rare Gem
Needles: US 1 dpns

Welcome Home Henry

Welcome Henry!
Thank you for being such a devilishly handsome sock model.

Thank you momma D for these fantastic pictures which really say it all.

Everyone loves hand knit socks!

Spring (Baby) Showers part I

So, I lost my job rather unexpectedly a few weeks ago and though I've had quite a bit of spare time on my hands I just did not feel like blogging. It took me a couple weeks just to get my knitting mojo back. I have been keeping busy: weeding, planting, pruning, building a new and improved raised bed for veggies, cleaning and organizing the house. I went foraging in the woods for mushrooms and native plants which was especially therapeutic.

My dogs, as you can imagine, are thrilled to have me home. Though the spring weather is hit and miss, they are getting much more regular exercise outside the yard and I am able to spend more time reinforcing good behaviors :).


Fortunately it is raining more than water this Spring. Two important baby showers imposed some much needed deadlines for my languishing knitting projects.
Two of my momma friends are due exactly two days apart, so we had a joint day of celebration and blessing for them. Luckily the weather cooperated and we were able to be outside for messy belly casting and henna decorating of their fecund forms. It was really a wonderful time. Both moms were grateful for the absence of humiliating and idiotic baby shower games and instead we shared good food, good company and the love and support of friends.
Suffice it to say when the husbands came by later they had some choice words to describe our festivities, 'hippy' being one of the least egregious. Some activities are just better off voluntarily gender segregated I guess. We had fun and that's what counts!


Here is one of the baby sweaters I made. It is a very simple cardigan pattern to which I added the skull and crossbones for some tough guy flair (it's a boy). If you are on Ravelry, you can check it out here.


And some very masculine camo baby socks. You may remember the adult version in this yarn. These baby sock blockers are just about the most painfully cute things ever. I keep knitting baby socks so I have an excuse to use them. I bought them at Twisted and they are fantastic!


Here is the second sweater (you can see one of the second pair of booties in the corner there, not sure if I ever got a picture of those together). It is the same cardigan but plain blue with turtle buttons. The buttons actually ended up spread out much more on the sweater but I think I failed to get a final photo of that too. These turtle buttons called to me and at the shower I discovered that turtles were very significant to the recipient and her husband and they share matching turtle tattoos with each others initials. How cute! What serendipity! (or dumb luck depending on your disposition).


On a completely unrelated note, I finished my Rogue Roses socks and took some crappy photos of them. They really are nice. I look forward to sporting them with a skirt in the evenings this summer.


So now I really need to get back to some flying sticks and yarn as I try to finish another sweater for a baby shower this upcoming weekend.

Method or Madness?

Ah the single sock collection; one has been languishing for a long time, one needs to be frogged and the other two are simply patiently awaiting their mates.


Ms. Tempest really enjoys my knitting (and the couch)!
We must keep the Canine in the blog...must stop neglecting the cashmere too...construction is mostly up to M and he is very preoccupied with nursing school.


Some call it Startitis, I call it casting a wide net from which to multi-task. Different projects (read sock patterns) require varying levels of concentration. This is a very basic ribbed sock in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted because there are people in my life who clearly believe that hand knit socks grow on trees. A quick and easy knit for those times before coffee and after too many hours of knitting lace while watching television.


Ah the passion of a beautiful pattern, a gorgeous yarn and the time to sit down with it.

Child's First Sock in Shell Pattern- adapted from Weldon's by Nancy Bush in Knitting Vintage Socks
Blue Moon Fiber Arts- Socks that Rock Lightweight in Rose Quartz
2.5 mm dpns from Knit Picks

Love, pure sock knitting ecstasy!!!



Then there is the sock pattern that just wont leave me alone. You may recall a pair of Post Christmas Monkeys as well as some earlier Monkeys in STR Fluorite. I made this sock in three weekdays I think which is remarkably fast for me. The pattern repeat is so easy and fun it is hard to put the needles down.


I do occasionally finish things too, sorry not a great picture they just came out of a warm bath. These are some simple socks for a friend who doesn't take particularly good care of garments, so they are simple and rugged, hand knit sock training wheels if you will. Specs are on my Ravelry page.
For now, I would rather not discuss the two unfinished sweaters, one unfinished shell, the never ending afghan from hell (which I did work on this month) or any other hibernating projects. I am in a sock knitting mood and that is what I shall knit.
Did I mention I went online this morning and bought yarn to make a Cobblestone Pullover for M? Well so much for rationalization, I have rampant Startitis.