Socks, Socks and More Socks

My knitting has fallen a bit behind lately but it is gearing up to full swing again. I've had a birthday since I last posted. (I'm an April Fool's baby, literally.) Between the celebrations surrounding my birthday and taking up spinning, the aerobic kind not the yarny kind, my knitting time has been a little cramped. I've decided that 33 is not only the year for me to get financially fit but that I might as well throw physically fit onto the list as well.

Given all the hub-bub, my March socks are a bit late but I was finally able to finish them this weekend. Without further ado, here are my Embossed Leaves Socks.

Project Details

Pattern: Embossed Leaves Socks by Mona Schmidt available in Interweave Knits, Winter 2005, and the Interweave Knits Favorite Socks book

Yarn: Miss Babs Superwash Sock in the Grasshopper colorway

Needles: Addi Lace size 1

Start Date: February 24, 2008

Completion Date: April 6, 2008

Project Notes: I loved this pattern. It was very fun to knit and very intuitive. I knit the pattern backwards as it was my first time knitting from a chart and I read it from left-to-right like I would a book. It threw the star toe a bit off but overall I am pleased with how the socks turned out. I would have finished these socks much more quickly if I hadn't put them aside for a little while. I would also highly recommend trying out Miss Babs Superwash Sock. It has an almost velvety texture to it and the Grasshopper colorway had just the right amount of semi-solidness to it. The only thing that worries me about the yarn is that it had a tendency to pill while knitting with it so I will have to wait to see how it wears. It might be better suited to scarves or other items than get less wear and tear than socks due to the pilling but only time and wear will tell.

Upon completion of the Embossed Leaves Socks, I got out my instructions for Judy's Magic Cast-on and am embarking upon my first toe-up socks. I am using Vancalcar Acres Flock Sock in the Something for Gryffindor colorway and will knit these in stockinette. I am also using Wendy's Basic Toe-Up Sock Pattern to complete these socks. I hope that they will go fairly quickly and put me back on schedule for my sock a month goal.

In keeping with the socks theme of this post, I grabbed a model shot of my Evening Stockings for a Young Lady since I had finally dug out my tripod to take better photos of my projects. These photos aren't very exciting as it's my first foray into using the tripod but I am hoping that a little practice will lead to better project pics.

Have a great Monday!

My first sewing FO of 2008!

Hi Everyone!

Let me introduce the double duty bag from Sew Baby Pattern F868. This pattern is great for a sewing beginner as it is very simple and has step by step directions. I've found in a number of patterns that the manufacturer expects you to know what to do until you reach a certain step and then explains the intricacies of that one step. That is not the case with this pattern. Each step is carefully and completely explained leaving minimal guess work for the beginner. I chose this project as I thought it would make an excellent knitting bag as it is reversible and includes 6 pockets around the middle for yarn and notions.

The following shot is what I will use as the exterior of the bag as I made a few mistakes on the pocket side that make it better suited to serve as the lining.

The interior includes 6 pockets that go the entire way around the bag. I think these will be useful not only for notions but also for putting different colored balls of yarn in while doing color work.

I bought both the pattern and the fabric at JoAnn's Fabric with a gift certificate my brother got me for Christmas. (Thanks John!!!) I started working on this project Saturday afternoon, March 15 and finished by Sunday, March 16.

I had put my March socks, the Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave Knits aside to focus on my sewing and to read a book, The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory, but have made it a bit further along than these pictures indicate. I am through the heel and gusset on one sock and now have the heel and gusset on the other sock to complete before they are both back on the needles. I am hoping to work on them this week and to finish them up by the end of the month so that I can stay on track for my sock a month goals.

I am quite pleased with how the pattern looks in this yarn, Miss Babs Superwash Sock in the Grasshopper colorway. This is my first time knitting from a chart and I have realized that I have been reading the chart backwards. Fortunately, it has not messed up the pattern, just reversed the direction of it. I guess you do learn something new with each project.

And another one bites the dust...

I was able to finish my February socks this weekend!
Project Specs
Pattern: Evening Stockings for a Young Lady from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Kraemer Sterling in the original white
Needles: Addi Lace size 1
Date Started: January 18, 2008
Date Completed: February 23, 2008
Modifications: Cast on 60 stitches to knit regular socks, instead of knee-highs. Shortened the ribbing and knit 9 pattern repeats before starting the heel. Knit a slipped stitch heel rather than the ribbed heel called for in the pattern.

I will be knitting the Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave Knits using Miss Babs Superwash Sock in the Grasshopper colorway from my stash. I have successfully avoided buying any new yarn this month, although it was very hard due to some tempting sales that I, utilizing what little willpower I have, successfully avoided.
As I showed off my new color last week, here is the debut of my new cut! When all is said and done, I am a short-haired kind of gal. I try to grow it out but it really isn't me. It feels great to have a new short do!

Happy Monday!