Showing posts with label socks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label socks. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

wonder woman socks

I finished the first of the wonder woman socks. For Christmas, when people asked, the only thing I could think of that I really really wanted was a whole bunch of self striping sock yarn from Artistic Yarn by Abi. And Boy did people deliver. I got wonder woman, monarch butterfly, AND sock monkey.

It was really hard to choose which to start with. In the end, I went with Wonder Woman, hoping it would make me feel more heroic.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out, but I did finish this two days ago and haven't yet cast on sock number two. I know that I will cast on soon (maybe today!) but at the same time I'm feeling a little hopeless with socks. Just mainly because I don't have any shoes that let me show off my really cool socks.

So instead I've been daydreaming about sweaters. It seems weird to think about starting to knit a full sweater on the cusp of spring. That seems like more something you do in January to cheer yourself up or in October to prepare for the coming winter. But NO! I am the person knitting the full on sweater in July when it seems way too hot to even think that you might ever be cold again. Or the one finishing a sweater in July when just trying it on for a picture makes you want to puke.

I'm not saying I won't cast on the second sock. I'm also not saying I won't spend an hour on ravelry today dreaming about the next sweater project.

Do you have a sweater you're knitting now? Drop me a link to a picture.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

finished socks

Every week I put "Blog" on the weekly to do list and every week it seems I fail. I looked back though and since January 23, my weeks have been filled with snow days. So not really having a lot of time to think about what I have been knitting. I can't even really articulate why it is so hard to concentrate when the kids are home. Maybe because usually that means we are all home, as my husband also works in an educational setting that has weather delays and cancellations. Anyway, we usually have an average of 4 snow days all winter and this year we've had 12.

I do have some socks to show! I finished the black socks that I started way back in September.

I had a hard time being motivated to finish these because black yarn on black needles is really hard to see in anything but bright sunlight.

I also struggled with the yarn. You see I found a knot, which yeah whatever. The problem is that this knot was very much like a similar knot I found in another sock yarn in that it TOTALLY threw off the pattern of the self stripes.

You can see it above in the leg of these socks. In that instance there were actually two knots, and I didn't realize the patterning was off until much later. This time, I saw it within a half inch of the knot. and I thought to myself, I can fix this!

My plan was to just pull the yarn out until I was back on track color pattern wise. Which would have worked.... except that the knot seems to be where the yarn then reverses the color pattern. I could find the stripes, they were just backwards.

Here's where I confess it took me way longer than it should have to figure the solution. I unwound the entire rest of the skein (Which let me check for additional knots), and then used my ball winder to wind it backwards. THEN I found where the pattern picked up.

Doing this sock made me feel like maybe I didn't like knitting as much as I used to, as I really didn't like picking it up. But All the troubles combined with the dark colors in this dark season must have been in, because less than a week ago, I cast on a sock with some yarn I got for Christmas and it is so much more fun to knit again.

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Wonder Woman socks!

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Monday, November 05, 2018

Halloween post op--pictures

I promised pictures last time, and pictures you shall have.

First up the teenagers asked me the weekend before Halloween if I could help them do a group costume with their friends. And I said--Yes, if we can do minimum fuss. So Each friend bought a blank t shirt in a different color and my job was to make the t-shirt look like an M&M. Pinterest had ideas and I found an M template. Quick trip to the craft store and I had this iron on stuff that you print designs on and then iron it on your tshirt. It was white though and that was all I needed. I made four M's and then sent two off to school Tuesday with ironing directions and ironed two onto shirts and BAM, costumes.

That's good because of MY costume. You see, I had some last minute alterations on my costume because the size I had to make assumed a busty woman and, well that was a bad assumption. So Much taking in was required, but in the end, I was a fabulous Ms. Frizzle. Complete with Lizard. And don't worry--MANY many kids knew who I was.

And finally, I am trying to make time to knit a little every day so I can finish these socks and maybe try something else. I love how the purple ended up at the heel so I have a front and back shot for you.

Am hoping for more time to knit and maybe a bigger project or two. We'll see.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

What I did last summer

So summer.

Yeah

It was busy! Which yeah duh given that it has been crickets around here since June. So here goes: What I did over my summer "vacation"

First I should say that I put vacation in quotes because I don't know if I mentioned this on the blog but I started a new part-time job in May. One I'm super qualified for and in my chosen profession (librarianship). The downside is that unlike the last 15 years, I had to work at least as much (sometimes more) in the summer than in the fall/winter. It is only 20-24 hours a week but when you are used to 10 hours max, it is a change. It meant a lot of adjustments to me and the family, and some things that we normally do and enjoy did not get done this year.

I made copious amounts of jam. Something on the order of 6 batches of strawberry, a batch of sour cherry, a batch of blueberry and a batch of peach. I did not can any peaches--we still have 12 jars or so that will make it until February. I did can tomatoes, but only 16 pints as opposed to the 25 or so I've done in the past. I didn't freeze any sweet corn. Heck I barely ate any sweetcorn this year. I also froze 8 pounds of blueberries.

We also didn't go swimming like we have in the past. Some combination of work and the girls getting old enough to feel self conscious meant that we went maybe three times. I was sad. I love going to the pool. But I didn't have the energy after working to drag them there.

And as long as we are honest, I spent a good chunk of the summer still battling the plantar facsitis that put me in a cast in the spring.

We did though end up going to a ton of baseball games! And I had a co-worker expecting a baby. And so, I decided to make a bunch of baby socks. They were fun and quick. However, I had no idea how big to make them and patterns are for people who can stop and read instead of someone who drops their yarn and has to chase it 4 rows down.

So yeah, scrap yarn in a variety of sizes. And at the time of her shower, I still had a pair on the needles. so I finished that and gave it to her on Monday after the shower.

We also went on vacation, and all summer I worked on socks for me, which I finally finished.

I hate that picture though and I have no idea why. Anyway what made me mad about this pair of socks was that.... well do you remember me mentioning WAAAY back when I started them that i found two knots? Well I think that the knots left out a chunk of the color pattern. So when I went to knit the second sock and I started at the exact same place, I still ended up with different socks. You can tell I started toe up because the feet are the same, but you can almost see where I encountered the knot because THAT'S where the patterning shifts. grrrr.

Now that baseball season (minor league any way) is over, I do have a sock on the needles, but I'd like to get back to knitting things with um patterns that I can read and follow. Also now that school has started, I'd like to get back into the habit of writing and posting something here weekly again.a

Thursday, May 03, 2018

knots

Sometimes when I'm just knitting along I don't feel like I have enough to really write about. And I am just knitting along. And yes, still the first sock (it seems like some people in my life ask this regardless of when the last time they saw me knitting and asked this SAME question).

I did stop knitting on it for a few days because I was so frustrated. I found a knot! And I hate weaving in ends in socks! It actually took two tries at a russian join to fix it and even now I can still see where it was. Then! I found a second knot. (insert eyeroll here). I tried another russian join, when it slipped out, I just gave up and started the new yarn. And now that I'm knitting, I'm wondering if it is going to mess up the pattern of colors. Not that my socks have to perfectly match, but it would be nice if they were close you know.

I don't want to say that I'm tired of knitting socks, but I have been itching to take on a bigger project. Like sweater big. And yeah I know I say that a lot but it's about time to start washing sweaters and putting the ones I won't wear away for the summer. (I usually leave out a couple of cardigans) And I want a new sweater. Of course I don't have yarn for a sweater sized project*. I do though, have lots of leftover yarn all in about the same weight. And I was thinking stripes would be REALLY cute. It wouldn't be all the same material--like some Ultra alpaca which is 50/50 wool and alpaca and some 100% wool, but then I wonder if it would work.

*Ok, I do, but I am kind of saving that for the dollar and a half cardigan even though every time I try swatching for the dollar and a half cardigan I get all wigged out because it seems hard to follow the stitch pattern AND I don't really get gauge and I love that sweater so much I don't want to mess it up, but it WOULD be the perfect summer sweater.

Regardless, it seems as if there is some swatching and or searching ravelry for patterns in my future.

Friday, April 13, 2018

Cast OFF!

First I should start with two "cast offs" as it were. First--I got the cast on my foot off--and I have graduated to a "walking boot" There are several good things about it over the cast: 1) I can take it off to shower, and to put on clothes, so I don't have to worry a bunch about if my pants will fit over it. 2) I can walk a little easier in it 3) My socks peek out! This is good because I finished the rainbow socks!

I love them and have worn them a couple times. I had a great time seeing the toe peek out of my boot this week--it's the little things.

And of course because I think I just am going to knit socks forever, I started another pair.

I wasn't sure I wanted to start another sock but for some reason I love this color way.

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This one is a yarn I got at my LYS's clearance sale on my birthday a monthish ago. I think the colors are terribly ugly but somehow I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. I can't even really explain it. And it is a workhorse yarn (Online supersock) so I am guessing they will last forever.

I also bought three skeins of Debbie Bliss Bluefaced Leicester and I really want to use it for... something. 300 meters isn't a lot to make something substantial--so sweater is out. Even a shrug is probably out. That leaves scarves, cowls, hats, maybe mittens. And I'm being fussy. A cowl would be nice but sometimes when I wear cowls or scarves, I feel like I'm wearing a bib. I don't really wear hats (I'm an earmuff person). So I'm stuck.

Bought on sale. Only had 300m -- what to make?

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It's really pretty though, so maybe a lacy cowl? Maybe a small scarf/shawl thing? I don't know. In the meantime, I'll be plugging away at the socks.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

The ultimate "cast on"

So much has happened since I last wrote! Seriously, I figured out a way to get socks from needles to feet twice as fast!

Ok, I did this by getting one foot put in a cast and thus unable to wear a normal sock, but still--bright side people! I can wear the same sock twice as long! (Ok no, it is really that I can't stand to just have one of every sock int he washer, so I'm wearing one the first day and the second the next.)

The whole story is this. I've been battling plantar fasciitis for YEARS. I wear night splints, orthotics, and I have an ice bottle that I use on bad days. I've even gotten cortizone shots for it. All of this has helped, and after the last shots I had some relief. Well about six weeks ago, I had a really bad flare up. Despite not changing anything. At first I thought it was because I needed new shoes. So I bought some, only to have the pain worsen. It was bad enough I called the doctor who had previously done the shots. While I was waiting for that appointment, I had a few times when after work, I was so sore, I wasn't sure I was going to make it back to my car.

When my appointment came around, I was kind of excited to think that if I got another shot I would be sore that day but I'd feel so much better. So you can kind of imagine the look on my face when instead of shots, he said--I'd like to put your leg in a cast for 3weeks to see if we can get the inflammation down that way.

After blinking like Dora the Explorer waiting for you to repeat whatever she just asked you to repeat, I asked when would they do that. Well turns out right NOW was the answer.

It is my left foot so I can drive. I can walk on the cast and I have a boot for it (which was good because we got 2 inches of snow that mostly fell while I was getting the cast). I also have a scooter that I can rest my cast on and scoot. Let me tell you, that was more difficult than I thought it should be. Turns out that you can rent them! And your insurance might even pay for it--although the foot doctor was dubious but the medical supply place says--blue cross? sure (we shall see, but I don't even care). I know it is a place of privilege that allows me not to worry about $50, but it makes work so much easier.

Bonus: My cast matches one of my favorite handknit sweaters

When your knitwear *almost* matches your cast.

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I have also been told to stay off my feet, and so I've been doing a little more reading, and little more knitting. And thus have nearly finished the second of the rainbow socks.

Ready to #bindoff

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I'd probably have finished except that I need to look up the bindoff, and I never seem to have both a computer and my knitting by my chair. Probably after I finish this sock, I'll start another sock for traveling and baseball and waiting rooms, and something else for all the other times. Except I'm not sure about the something else. And yes, I have already looked and Ravelry does have a pattern for a toe sock you can knit for over your cast. Am seriously considering.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

unraveled

One of the dangers of travel knitting or purse knitting is that sometimes you drop stitches. Usually this isn't a huge deal for me because I also carry a small crochet hook and can easily fix dropped stitches--I can even fix them without a crochet hook, but it is easier with one.

However last week, I grabbed my rainbow sock mid heel and headed for what was going to be a long band concert night. four high school bands playing, both my girls in different bands, with a band between them. Lots of time between bands while stands were re-arranged and students came and went. When I pulled it out, I had dropped a whole needle full of stitches, and so carefully picked them up. Except heel. Some of those were yarnovers, which had raveled to the point of disappearing. I did my best and knit away. Then came red flag number 1--I had more stitches on one side of the heel than the other. Then came red flag number two: I had a fairly large hole on the one side. Then red flag or strike three: I couldn't fix the hole.

Of course I kept knitting through all of those. I knit for about 10 rows of heel and four rounds of regular knitting. I was BORED. People watching is really bad at high school band concerts.

When I got home though, I knew what had to be done. I ripped out the heel.

I knew I wasn't ever going to be happy with the hole. I knew it would bug me forever. I KNEW I should have done that AT the concert, but it was dark.

I'm not taking this project anywhere until I've finished this heel.

Sometimes it's better to unravel and start again (just the heel this time)

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And PS, I really haven't spent nearly enough time on this. Everyone has been sick and while I did not get as congested sick as everyone else, I just got bone weary- whole days where all I wanted to do was read. We're all in the homestretch and my energy is returning so hopefully I'll finish this soon.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

rainbow socks

I am steadily working on my weekly to do list. Last week the only thing I didn't get to cross off was "new blog post." This week I'd like to finish it, although "sign children up for Driver's ed" seems to be the one that may be beyond my control.

Anyway. Last time I wrote, I had a sweater pattern and yarn and had decided to take a break from the sock I was working on and tackle the sweater. Like all good things, this was maybe too ambitious. I looked a lot closer at the pattern and realized a few things:
* The yarn called for is a worsted weight
* The yarn I have is maybe sport
* I have no idea what size to make
* I don't know if I have enough yarn to make the longer sleeved version I was imagining.

Clearly there are solutions. First solution is obviously to swatch. I have started this, but I feel like maybe my swatch isn't nearly large enough. The second is of course to measure me and the swatch and do some hocus pocus math and just figure the dang things out. As far as having enough yarn? I don't really have a solution other than maybe don't make long sleeves. The one part I was most worried about regarding the pattern itself was the actual stitch pattern, but the swatch has shown me that it is a relatively simple pattern--as long as I follow the cart. And boy am I ever glad I learned to read a chart.

So, instead of deciding any of that, I decided to finish the rainbow and clouds socks. Just because I feel like they may be knit a little too loosely doesn't mean that I don't love them and won't wear them. If someone wants to buy me the sock monkey colorway, I'll knit those at a smaller gauge.

Sock 1 done. ✅ sock 2 begun.

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I've even started the second sock. And yes, I did actually try really hard to start in roughly the same place in the color run.