A break from knitting ... well, sorta ...

... something fun to do - stitch markers made with DD yesterday; lots of shiny, pretty beads and some jewellery wire, some with tigertail and crimps, others with eye-pins.





OTN: a pair of men's socks and the Galveston Mystery Shawl - finished Clue 3, chart C - tested new stitch markers today, caught a couple of times on the yarn and the lace.

In today's snail mail, Knitpicks Classic circs, 4 sizes! - too bad they don't make smaller ones - and BW's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

Mockey Socks done

- superwash yarn from stash, DGB Confetti col. 3007

- Aero 2.5mm circ ML

- looped cast-on, very elastic, (Reader's Digest 'Complete Guide to Needlework')

- high instep, short row heeel, inc to 36 sts from 32 sts

http://www.knitty.com/issuewinter06/PATTmonkey.html

Galveston Mystery Shawl - clue 2 done

Galveston Mystery Shawl KAL
Galveston Shawl (PDF)

Opal Sideways Socks 2

- finished these on the weekend, the ankles are a bit baggy and the cuff is still a bit tight, but the instep fits nicely.

OTN: Cookie's monkey socks

http://tinyurl.com/3yr9dv

Unconventional -

- 1 sock on 2 circs.
My calf and instep measurements are about 3" larger than the foot and ankle ones, so I'm trying something different on the second sock.
Instead of using one 2.5 mm circ for the length of the sock I'm switching back and forth between 2 circs;

- 2.75 mm circ for the tight garter stitch cuff and heel/instep

- and smaller circ, 2.5 mm, for the leg and foot.
If I like the fit of this sock with these changes, then I'll frog and redo the first one, (just hope I won't suffer from second-first-sock syndrome!!!?)

Opal Sideways sock

The colours are quite vibrant.
- one sock almost complete, will probably redo toe so the colours end up blue/green, not yellow mix
- have started the second sock
- no negative ease on the leg and foot as the sideways knitting doesn't have much give
- the fit of the cuff and instep are snug

One sock off and one sock on

Started and finished Trekking XXL 108 last week for DD, done cuff down, socks are mismatched due to random striping and cuff is wider so it can be worn folded or not. - 32" 2.0 mm Inox circular ML, worked on 68 sts except SRH on 42 of 72 sts.

OTN:

Started and restarted these Opal 1433 Sideways socks, Hundertwasser 897 silver spiral colourway.

The knitting/crocheting for the lace Niebling is done, needs a good wash and blocking ...

... and the elmleaf zokni are also finished. These were cast off using the tubular cast off, http://tinyurl.com/2hovqx

(Thanks, JK.)

Calgary last week ...

... yesterday ...

... and today, another blast of winter, taken an hour after it started this morning.

SRH and Niebling update

... more on Short Row Heels for a high instep - inc heel sts for the SRH.

This photo highlights areas that were added to a toe-up sock, could also be added cuff down;

- yellow-grn: *3 increases to each side of last few alternate rows on the foot before starting the SRH.

If doing cuff down one would need to decide whether or not to include inc sts to charted design, ie plan ahead to either knit these inc rows plain or continue with chart and knit incs in pattern, too, otherwise, there will be a small triangular bit of stockinette, (the blue-grn triangle in photo.)

- bright green: extra rows as a result of more heel sts, eg *36 sts instead of 30 sts dec to 14 live sts

- blue-green: *3 decreases to each side of the first few alternate rows on the leg after SRH's done, (I used plain knit sts all across the back of the heel here, also could have started the leaf pattern as soon as the SRH was done.)

---*change these numbers for a custom fit.

Niebling update:

Last week I wasn't sure I had enough thread to finish this project without having to cut back on the rows. Whew, I'm relieved to have more than enough.

I'm now to the point of crocheting off the edge, at least trying to.

Increase sts for SRH

I like the look of socks made with short row heels (SRH,) however they are too tight for me when the pattern is knit 'as is.' The last socks I made have SRH where the heels are done over 60% of the stitches and they fit nicely.

My current project is the Zokni pattern, http://www.pepperknit.com/patterns/ZokniSocksPattern.pdf , done toe-up and also has a SRH, but I didn't want to use pattern sts for the heel because I didn't know if it would work using yo/eyelet sts and still look nice. Instead I added ease by increasing stitches before starting the heel, then decreased by the same amount after the heel was done.

The heel needle on these green socks had 6 inc/dec sts worked over 5 rows each, ie worked on 36 sts instead of 30 and the instep needle has 30 sts throughout.
*NB I made sure that the inc/dec sts are 1 knit st away from a yo/eyelet.

- at point A, 5 rows before the beginning of the heel, start increases on alternate rows, ie inc 1 st on each side of heel sts on first and subsequent odd rows, knit plain on even rows.*

- make SRH, start with knit 35sts, wrap last stitch, turn ... (More rows are needed to work heel down to 14 'live' stitches as well as back up to 36 sts.)

- at point B, start dec 1 on each end of heel sts* on alternate rows until you have 30 heel sts.

This should also work for cuff down socks and numbers can be adjusted for a custom fit.

Mar 11, am

chinook arch

Chinook winds ...

... bring warm temps - a balmy 12C today and 15-17C tomorrow - and develop their signature arching clouds.
- facing SW. Rocky Mtns in the far distance. The white patch of snow in the nearer distance is Canada Olympic Park (COP) where several events were held during the 1988 Olympics; bobsled, luge, and ski jump, (remember 'Eddie the Eagle' from Great Britain, I believe?) Warm temps from Chinooks that February created problems for outdoors events.

- and facing SE, the other side of the chinook arch.

Niebling update: on Rnd 182, I probably will not have enough thread to complete all 221 Rnds plus a crocheted edging. According to rough calculations I am 65% done with 40 Rounds to go.

I Got Mail ...

... yesterday's additions to my ever growing treasure collection, thanks to Irene in Courtenay, BC.

Niebling update: on Round 119, of 221, (almost 800 sts on this Rnd)- using a 24", sz 2.5mm circ for the second set of 'leaves' where the design pulls in a bit.

(- photo of Rnd 122 done, 816 sts)

The 2 balls of variegated sock yarn were purchased at a LYS last week and the 100% silk on a cone came in the mail the week before.

Niebling update: up to Round 103, noticed that there's a 3rd area where the tension in the design seems somewhat tight so will switch to larger circs again.

Niebling update

For the next 6 or so rounds I'll try switching to a larger circ since there seems to be some tightness at this point in the photo then switch back to 2.0mm until later, (much, much later - about Rnd 139,) when the same tension issue occurs.
- up to round 71 of 221.

Niebling KAL

Lena 09/06, pg 22 (written in German)
http://tinyurl.com/ywduee NAYY
I don't know the name of this particular pattern designed by Herbert Niebling.

One swatch;
- loden Jaeger Superlamb, merino wool;
- 2, 24" 2.25 mm circs.
- up to Rnd 50
- 10", 25+cm across



... then another start;
- Anchor Lily crochet cotton, size 50 (nb: not 'Anchor', but 'Lily/Daisy')
- 32" 2 mm circs
- up to Rnd 40
- 6 1/2", 16.5cm across



- presently, no socks OTN, but there are quite few tempting KAL's starting March 1.
- purchased a 150g cone of pale pink 100% laceweight silk

The 60% Solution

YAHOO! Toe up socks ...
I reused yarn from frogged 'zigzag' socks http://tinyurl.com/2bnv8t to attempt toe up socks for the second time, couldn't get feet into the first ones. This time I used 60% of the total stitches for the heel as opposed to the usual 50%, now they hug my foot AND I can get them over my heel, just need to finish making the cuff then wash. I like the yarn's patterning/colouring changes, shows up better on a plain sock vs the earlier 'zigzag' socks.

I used the following links for these socks;
- Wendy's toe-up sock pattern http://tinyurl.com/25uxap
- Turkish cast on http://tinyurl.com/2f86oh
- advice from Yahoo sock groups - see right side bar

SPECS;
- 32" 2.0 mm Inox circulars, 2 at once Magic Loop
- CO 12wraps/24st
- toe shaping, increased each side every other row with KRL, k2, KLL http://tinyurl.com/yvejgn to ...
- a total of 68 stitches around foot, 5" stockinette
- short row heel over 40 sts, (approximately 68 sts x 60%,)
- dec to 16 sts (next time will dec to 10 or 12 sts for a narrower back of heel)
- leg, 3" stockinette
- cuff ribbing, k2, p2 for 3-4" over 64 sts
[edit NB - should either use larger needles here or do cuff over 68sts or inc to 72sts rather than dec as cuff/bind off is a little snug, might redo this cuff]
- ladies shoe size 6, (foot and ankle 8 1/4" around, instep 11", leg 10" around)




paeonia

Doily done ...

... except for the final blocking.

With the great advise from Barbie McConnell and other knitters on the Laceknitters Yahoo group, (link listed at right,) I finished this edging.

OTN
- finally, the beginnings of a desparately needed felted purse to replace the current beat up leather bag. This one I'm going to keep, it'll be my take on the Dale of Norway designed sweater for the Canadian 2010 olympic ski team.
- have frogged the zigzag sock and will save the yarn for a simpler pattern, still want to make the zigzag sock, as well as 30 or so other socks from my knitting books, magazines and the internet.
- a couple of starts to lacy shawl projects that will probably be frogged.

Sideways Sock

Here's one finished TIGHT FITTING sideways sock that's knit flat and sewn up the back - quite a struggle to get the garter st cuff over the heel.

Confetti sock yarn
2.5mm needles
Gauge: 8sts 12 rows
Opal Sideways socks (eta NB: original link no longer works, use this one. I don't know if Opal Hundertwasser sock yarn still has the pattern, in German, on the inside of the ball band.)
Changes to pattern;
- shortened length, CO 120 sts; cuff-24sts, leg-36sts, heel-28sts, foot-32sts
- added rows, 80 rows total, not enough
- regular stockinette st toe, picked up 64sts, dec to 24sts, kitchener st to close
... fits a ladies size 5 1/2-6 1/2.

... more laceweight comparisons

- Lily Daisy 100 % mercerized crochet cotton, size 20
- Colourmart 45/55% cashmere/silk, cobweb wt http://www.colourmart.com/
- Jaggerspun Zephyr 50/50% merino/silk
http://www.shuttleworks.com/
NAYY
(- see July '06 for previous posting)

Stalled on WIP

1. Doily - my first knit doily ever - from Patterns For the Art of Lace Knitting Rachel Schnelling/Gloria Pennning
I can't figure out how to finish this edge . The doily is knitted but the edging is crocheted on - will just have to keep trying.
- Lily Daisy - size 20 mercerized crochet cotton from DS
- 2mm Inox circular needle, (ouch - those tips are sharp,)
- size 11 crochet hook
- magic loop (ML) - next time I'll have to try using toothpicks for the center as some loops stretched out of shape using ML. Also, sliding stitches over the bump on the circs is painfully slow.

2. More socks - stopped working on these because they're too busy-looking and too orange-y so I'm thinking of starting over with something else from the stash.

- Fotissima Colori #2405
- 2mm Inox circulars
- magic loop, co 72 sts

Cybersocks Done

- a fun Nov/Dec KAL, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SocknittersSAM/ .
I cast on 72 sts on two-2.5mm circ's and they're too loose, (about a ladies size 7 1/2 and I'm a small 6.) I'm getting better at stranding though - the knitting doesn't pucker and the sock doesn't bind.
I played around with the pattern on the sole to conserve on the coloured yarn. It turned out that I had plenty so now I have lots left over - oh well, more stash for mini or multi-coloured socks.

Also finished, but no pic, is a cotton sweater I made for DMIL for Christmas.

This bag's complete now that the button's sewn on. I gave it to DSL and I think she really likes it, (hm...mmm will see if she uses it.)

FFBag done

Yesterday's progress ...
I used the bag as felted and didn't bother to resize it, just eased in the fullness as best as possible when sewing in the lining.






Now it's fully lined with a zipper closure and one divider/pouch. I didn't use the buckram stiffener in the bottom nor the dowel inserts at the top edge. Instead, I used one piece of Flexi-Firm to line the front/bottom/back - sewn directly to the lining before attaching inside.
Also, the strap is made in one piece, (knit I-cord,) but both ends split and attach to the top edge along front and back.

Christmas Stocking done
- 2mm and 2.5mm needles, cast on 96 sts.
- finished size: back length ~12", diagonal from top of back to tip of toe ~18"
- Made from sock yarns;
red (x2) - 4218, Sandnes, Smart Superwash*
black - 1331, Scheepjes, Invicta Extra (leftovers)
green - 8514, Sisu, Maskinvaskbar*
multi - 2405, Schoeller Stahl, Socka Color* (Fortissima Colouri)
(NB: should have used double strands of the thinner green and multi-coloured yarns)
* http://birkelandwool.net/

Update on FFBag

- tried felting in washing machine, cold water - didn't felt much
- tried hand felting/agitating in basin with hot soapy water, 3 rinses (alternating cold, hot, cold) - still didn't felt much
- tried washing machine again, hot wash/cold rinse cycle - OVERFELTED! 13"x7"
- now, will try to soak overnight in vinegar/cool water to restretch a bit.
http://www.knitnik.com/ -see Oct 31, 06. (btw, I didn't do this after all.)

(link/info added to Oct 24 posting)

Knitting

Yesterday I saw a reprint of Nicky Epstein's Felted Floral Bag in the latest, (thinner?) Interweave Knits!!!
(NB- IK,Holiday Gifts Special Issue http://www.interweave.com/knit/special_issues/knits_gifts.asp)

OTN - a Christmas Stocking based on a pattern found in Dale of Norway, Best of Tiur No. 170.
- stranding technique, (not weaving one ie not PW)
- purchased book here, NAYY:
http://spinblessing.com/item.php?art=DG170E
- see Design 5 Akantus

FO - washed and blocked Maple Leaf Socks

Maple Leaf Socks

WIP from Oct 8 these socks are now done and waiting to be washed & blocked.

Pattern found here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/T_Socks_KAL/

Fall Garden

Seasonal transformations never cease to amaze.



Hard to believe that this scene from January turned into these other ones ...






June








July









Today, some plants still hanging in there after 2 bouts of morning snow.

Decision time soon on FFB

Hmmm... do I shape it more like a purse or a box?