Finished Object Friday - My Lovely Socks!

I did it and really it wasn't as hard as I made it out to be.  Seriously, they seem like tricky little items of clothing but once I followed the directions the whole process just clicked.  Some have commented that it may be due to my engineering background and understanding of how stuff works, but really folks DO NOT be afraid of socks.

Yes, they strike fear in the hearts of many new knitters but I have found the more that you want to do something the easier it is to keep going.  Seriously, just jump in with both feet because in knitting what's the worst that could happen?  Frogging?  Tinking?  I think that is a little price to pay for learning a new skill.

So, I busted my fingers and focused on getting that second sock done.  I presented my first sock last week and I wanted to get the other sock done for this week. I also wanted to avoid the single sock-itis that could happen so I pushed forth and started the second sock.

While working on the cuff, I noticed a bit of pooling and was slightly disappointed.  Really though they are socks and the cuff will be under my jeans so there is no use in worrying about it.

I kept going and before I knew it I was at a finished sock.  I meant to take more pictures but really I just wanted to get the darn thing done.

Voila!  The Second Sock

This one didn't quite go as smoothly,.  I think I miscounted my cast on and was short some stitches so I had to make a few to get it right while I was working on the gusset.  I also think my gauge tightened but I am working on stretching it out so it's comfy.

You may notice that the coloring is a bit darker.

Sock #1 is on the right and Sock #2 is on the left

It almost feels like the inverse of the first sock.  That has a base is light with dark accents whereas the second sock has a dark base with light accents.  It's okay though because they look like they match and that's all that matters.

In general, I am so pleased with the result and the pattern was super easy to follow along with. Though I made some modifications to suit my tastes a bit.

1. I only made the cuff 3.5 inches.  I have larger calfs and was worried the longer cuff wouldn't fit
2. I did twice the decreases at the toe to get a more gradual decrease rather than the stated one.  I have wide feet and felt the fit would be better this way.

I admit these things are addicting and cast on another set.  I think this is more my traveling project with no real hurry to accomplish it in anytime soon.

Check out more Finished Objects at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

Details:

Patten - Silver's Sock Class
Needles - Size 2/2.75 mm with 9 inch cables and Size 2/2.75 mm double needles
Yarn - Shalimar Yarns, Breathless in Tequila Sunrise  (I still have about 44 grams of yarn left)

Duration - Little more than 1 month.  Sock 2 took 1 week, which is more representative of how long I spent on each one.

WIP Wednesday - Pay No Attention to the Woman Behind the Yarn!

Where are these weeks going?  I have so many plans but time ticks on and not meeting my (self - set) project deadlines is annoying.  So here I am on another WIP Wednesday with no real progress to show because I finished my socks!  Here is a sneak peak of Friday's post!

I am in love with my new socks!

I have to say, I got some new sock yarn and it's really hard not to cast on another set but I really need to finish my other WIPs. (Really that is dedication for someone with Craft ADD)

Anyway, my plan was to finish these on Sunday and get cracking on those Lego blocks for the baby blanket.  Needless to say that hasn't happened but I plan on working on them quite a bit in the future. Hopefully next week's post will be full of Lego block stacks.

The frustrating thing is that I need to make 20 blocks and one skein of Lion Brand - Cotton Ease only makes about 13 blocks which means I need more yarn.  I don't need it right away but I will need another skein eventually.  Alas, the challenges we crafters face.

So please, pay no attention to woman behind the yarn, she is just trying to catch up this week.

Check out other blogger's WIPs at Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

Finished Object Friday - Sock Numero Uno!

So on WIP Wednesday this week, I asked you to...

Spot the Difference (read that with a game show announce voice and cue the theme music!)

And many of you did which is great!  I know this project isn't truly finished but I wanted to give my first sock a moment of glory.

Last week, I really put in an effort to start the heel flap and before I knew it I had a sock.  Oh you have no idea the excitement of how awesome it felt to get that sock done.  I started my sock on February 11th and really didn't work on it a ton because I had a case of Gotta-Cast-On-ITIS and have 5 projects going.

Anyway, something made me decide that I did enough ribbing.  Which lead to the decision to just try this heel flap thingy and see how it goes.

Heel Flap and Heel Turn!

I mis-read the directions and instead of on the Wrong Side Slip 1 and Purl the row, I slipped one and purled 1 across.  I have to say that the heel on this sock is super strong but I was dropping stitches left and right and getting my needle through the loop brought a lovely version of French to my lips.

After the heel flap and the turn came the Gusset and really that brought out the engineer in me.  I love how things work and until I was half way through the socks, I didn't get how the stitches worked out to make a sock.  It truly is magical but now I look at all socks and mentally take them apart and put them back together.

Notice I switched on to DPNs for the rest of the Sock

Anyway, after all of the fun of heels and gussets were done I was left with stockinette rounds until I reached 8 inches from the back of the heel.  I wear a size 10 and let me tell you I was yelling at my feet to get smaller as I did those rounds.  As I was yelling at my feet, I knit 8.5 inches and suddenly realize the toe decreases were going to make the sock too big.

But I counted my stitches and gauged my work and realized if I doubled the decrease pattern I should be able to get the size I need and a good fit.  So I set off and counted and prayed that this thing would work. I kept putting the sock on and measuring and praying some more but finally I got down to 12 stitches on my needles and tried it on and it was perfect.  Now the grafting thing was tricky and I may not have done it right.  Time will tell but I finished my first sock!

Ta Da!

Now, a friend on the Ravelry forums has said that she thinks that I am one of the most adventurous knitters she knows because my first knitting project was a a colorwork hat and then just dove right into socks. I of course blush at this thought and say it's not true.  I just know what I like and there are just patterns that I want to do because I want to do them and that drives me to figure out how to do them.

 I admit that socks were kinda scary but after seeing other's comment on their own fear I figured what the heck and cast on the stitches I needed.  I know for me if I want to do something, then nothing will stop me (really who needs sleep!).

I also realized that I didn't want to stop at this one sock and wanted to have a pair, I cast on the second sock on Monday and have all of my ribbing complete.

Ribbing for the second sock

The yarn is pooling a bit but they are my first socks and a learning experience so I don't mind.  I think I should be able to get the second sock done this weekend and definitely done for next FO Friday.

Just so you don't think it's an older picture!

Here is what is on deck after these socks are done

• Lego Baby Blanket started on 2/17/2012
• Karina Vest started on 2/18/2012 (for me)
• Gryffindor Scarf started on 3/1/2012
• Falling Water Scarf started on 2/23/2012 (for me)

Here is what I have planned after these are done.

• Gryffindor Beanie (goes with scarf gift)
• Gryffindor Mittens (goes with scarf and beanie gift)
• Susie Roger's Reading Mitts (for me)
• Hermione's Everyday Socks (for me)

Granted this doesn't include upcoming gifts that may pop up but what I want to do in the coming months.  I think knowing what I want to work on next and having a plan of when I have to get some of this stuff done will keep me motivated through some of the repetitive knits and crocheting that I have to do.

How do you stay motivated?

Seeing other's finished objects help me to keep motivated so check out more at Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Can you spot the Difference?

Hello all!  I love WIP Wednedays but this week is a little challenging for me.  This past weekend my fingers flew on a project but it's still a WIP so I am asking you to spot the difference.  Shown below is the group picture from last week.

Last week's progress shot

Here are recent pictures of each project showing the progress I made.

Falling Water Scarf

Gryffindor Scarf

Karina Vest

Lego Blanket

First Socks

The difference should be obvious and there may also be a red herring in there.  So let me know which one you think is different and if you can't guess all will be revealed later in the week.

In other WIP news, I decided to take some inspiration from According to Matt and start a scrap blanket.  I had some yarn left over from my Green Merlot Hat and decided to make some Granny Squares.

Granny Squares (These are not what's different :P )

I also went through my stash to see how much scrap yarn I have and I was surprised at just how much was there.  I have come up with a dilemma though, what do you consider scrap?  I have some skeins of yarn that could feasibly be used in other small square projects and others that probably would only make 1-2 squares.  Where do you draw the line?

But, in general I really can't start putting them together as the colors right now are all pretty similar (Darn my love of Green!) plus I really don't have time right now to put them together.  This is definitely a long term project!

For other progress on amazing creations, check out the links at Tami's Amis!

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - WIP Overload!

I have freely admitted that I have Craft ADD.  I tend to start a ton of projects at once and then work on them over a long period of time.  Really I do this because one night I may want to work on something easy and mindless while watching a Penguins Game, other weekends I want to work on something that makes me think and pay attention.  Having lots of projects in motion helps me to meet my craft needs at any time.

Okay, that may be a lot of BS but that is how I justify the crazy :)

Anyway, in an effort to push through and see more finished objects I am going to show the progress of my WIPs each week and try and spot light the main progress I made during the week.

WIPs for the week of 3/4/2012

So in clockwise order, I have a Gryffindor Scarf, my Karina Vest, my First Sock, Lego Baby Blanket, and Falling Water Scarf.

I really got quite a bit done on the Gryffindor Scarf and the Lego Blanket.

I have mentioned the Gryffindor Scarf in a previous post but I made some progress and now it with the switch in colorway, it is starting to resemble the scarf from the movie series.  This is my mindless project as the 1X1 ribbing is easy enough to watch hockey while making progress.  It also helps that this is a gift so the pressure is on a bit.

The gold really makes the burgundy pop!

I also made progress on my Lego Blanket.  I am so excited to show the little stacks of rectangles, but I still have a long road ahead.

Stacks of Rectangles!

The original blanket is 9X9 which means 81 blocks.  I altered the color a bit and replaced the taupe color with green but I am still keeping with the 81 block theme.  Here is the breakdown of the numbers

• Red    -- 13/20 (1 Skein of Yarn Used)
• Blue    --  1/20
• Green  --  0/20
• Yellow --  0/21

As you can see, its still a mountain of crochet left to complete.

Speaking of completing I finished something this week that I have never showed before but I am super excited to share on Friday so please come back and check it out!

I hope to get some more progress on these but I am also trying to make headway in my "To Be Read" pile so finding balance is key.  How do you balance multiple hobbies?

Check out other wonderful WIPs on Tami's Amis Blog

<3 Heather

Week in a Day

Hello all, I know for many it is Finished Object Friday (check out Tami's Amis Blog for wonderful finished objects) but I was sick all week.

Tuesday started with the headache that wouldn't go away and Wednesday and Thursday was the stomach flu.  I didn't have a fever but I was not a happy camper.  Luckily I took my work laptop home and was able to work from home.  The good news is that my project is rolling out this weekend but that means I had a ton to do this week and being sick was not a motivating factor to get that and my blogging done.

I usually don't mention work here but I have to crow a bit because I have been working on this project for 2 years and am so happy to finally see it come to light.  I am really happy and nervous for the system to turn on.

Anyway, now that I am feeling better I figured I would condense a week of posts in a day and update everyone what's been going on.  This past weekend was so much fun,  I attended the Section 65/66 Alpha Phi Omega Conference. Alpha Phi Omega is a national co-ed Service Fraternity that I pledged in college and am now an alumni volunteer.  Really the conference was great, students got to network and learn how to make their chapters great.

Sunday, I didn't do much.  I didn't make it home but was able get some laundry and house cleaning done as well as crochet 5 more Lego Blocks! I mentioned them here and got a bunch more done plus all of my yarn has arrived.  I hope to get 20 done this weekend.  Wish me luck!

Monday I went out to dinner with a friend and Tuesday my headache prevented me from looking at monitors, screens, lights, sunshine so I became a vampire and hid in the dark.  My flu hit on Wednesday morning and I had all of these plans for WIP Wednesday but I didn't get around to it.

Aside from working on the bobbles, I was able to get some work done on my socks.  The ankle portion is about 3 inches and really I don't cuff or like tall socks so I think I am going to start on the heel. I admit this is a little scary but I think it will be okay.  Hopefully I will have more to show next week.

I love this yarn, the colorway is awesome and so soft

I started the next project after last WIP Wednesday but I found the pattern and couldn't wait to use the yarn.

It Sparkles!

  I bought Space Cadet Creations - Lucinda Yarn in the Mars Colorway at The Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival in February.  This is hand dyed locally and I love supporting local artisans plus really its gorgeous yarn.  I could not wait to get it on my needles the trick was finding the right pattern.

I found the Falling Water pattern on Ravelry and knew this would show the yarn well.  Okay, I needed a bit of encouragement today from Samie but as I look at the picture I can really see it coming together.  The picture doesn't show the color to it's fullest potential but it does show off the pattern and the sparkle.

Lastly, I started on a scarf for Katherine.  Katherine is a huge Harry Potter fan and is graduating this fall and I wanted to make her a Hogwarts Scarf as a present.  I got the yarn in this week and had to start.

It doesn't look like much but Gryffindor colors will shine through once I start adding the rows of Gold Stripes.  I am using the pattern from Year's 3 and 4 from Charmed Knits.  I got the book from my friend Amy but hadn't started to knit yet.  I am so happy I am able to use it now.

I haven't been reading as much as I like but have the following books in my queue:

• The Rogue Pirate's Bride by Shana Galen
• Unclaimed by Courtney Milan
• Highlander for the Holidays by Janet Chapman
• So Shelly by Ty Roth
• Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
• The Garden Intrigue by Lauren Willig

I have a proclivity towards romances but I have still read 17 books so far this year.  The aim is always 100 so I need to remember to put down the knitting needles and pick up a book every so often.  Perhaps, I need a timer to have equal reading and yarn time.  Thoughts?

Well, hope you all have a good weekend and I hope to have some good pictures of recipes on Monday!  I am thinking of baking a pie this weekend.  Yummy!

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - Socks, Vests and Legos, OH MY

We are here again for another WIP Wednesday!  I love these days because not only do I get to share with you my progress but I get to check out what everyone else is doing and get inspired for more WIPs.  It's a lovely cycle.

I have a couple WIPs today, first here is an update on my sock from last week.

My First Sock!

I have another half inch done.  I love the yarn it is so soft and smooth and I really like how the 2X2 Ribbing is working up but I have been neglect of my sock at this time for another project.

As I wrote about on Monday, Sam and I took a knitting class to learn how to make the Karina Vest. We mainly took the time to swatch on Saturday but I worked on the pattern this week.  I started the ribbing but screwed up the knit 1 purl 1 pattern and ripped it out and started again.  Here is the work I have done so far:

Karina Vest

It really shows up pink in this light but it's a lovely orange Berroco Vintage Chunky in Pumpkin and it is so soft.  I just can't seem to put this project down. I still have a ways to go but I did the first 2 sets of shaping decreases and I checked my gauge and I am still right on track!

Next, I wanted to show you the new baby blanket I am working on.  I found this pattern on Pinterest and fell in love.  Really go check out the site and then come back.

Alright, welcome back :)  I mean how adorable is that lego blanket.  I have a friend who is due in a month and asked if she would like me to make the blanket.  I got an enthusiastic yes, so I went out and bought the yarn and set to work.

Aren't they adorable!  I did have to make a couple before I got the gauge but I really can't wait to get more colors to show you.  Alas, this had been on hold until I finish my exam today but I hope to get like 2-4 done a night.

Here are all of the WIPs, notice anything missing from last week?

You will have to just wait and see what I have in store for you on Friday!

As always, check out other WIPs at Tami's Amis

<3 Heather

WIP Wednesday - My First Socks!

I am so excited to share a new WIP with everyone.  Last night I finished the baby blanket and am finally able to focus on my other projects.  I know I have said I have craft ADD but I needed to get that baby blanket done so I wouldn't let myself work on other things.  Granted, I did read a bunch to avoid working on it from time to time but you will all get to see the finished product on Friday.

Today however, I give you my first socks!

Isn't the color pretty!

 I really love the color its Shalimar Yarn Breathless in Tequila Sunrise.

My first socks!

I only have about an inch done but they seem to be coming along nicely.   I am using Silver's Sock Class to learn how to make the things.  I am worried that I will have one sockitis but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.  Perhaps sharing with all of you will keep me going on this project.

You may have noticed that I am knitting on size 2 needles with a 9" circular cable.  I like this method so far, as I am a little leery about double pointed needles and magic loop seems a little scary to the untested.  I will let you know how this goes along but I am liking the results so far.

I have to admit, I am annoyed at myself with the ribbing.  I can knit at a decent pace when I knit continental but I haven't mastered purling in continental so I am throwing and the progress is a little slow going.  I guess good things come to those who wait, so this will really test my patience.

In other WIP news I am working on my Merlot Hat and it made some nice progress last night as well granted DK does work up faster than fingering.  It was strange going from Size 2 needles to Size 8, they felt so clumsy in my hands.

Oh how I love this green!

As always check out other WIP's Tami's Amis Blog!