Introducing....my first pair of knitted socks. These are the Eiffel Tower socks from the first Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long, finished about 3 weeks ago. Yarn: Shelridge Farms Soft Touch 100% Wool Ultra Fingering Weight in Pumpkin Started: June
Finished: September
Loved knitting with this wool and the Eiffel Tower pattern was fun to work on.
Alison has finished one sock in her pair, which uses the same yarn but in Azure. While we were stitching, I often commented on her nice, even stitches. I seem to knit loosely, especially with yarnovers, so my Eiffel Towers aren't as well defined as hers, in my opinion.
Second Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long -- MacGiver style
We've also begun the second KAL. I chose the Elongated Corded Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. We're using Shibuiknits sock yarn. Mine are in Earth and Alison's are in Stone. It's quite soft and the colors are wonderful. I'm definitely going to use more of this.
We working toe-up with short row toes and heels. I considered turning the heel with a flap and gusset. But after trying the "class sock" in The Sensational Knitted Socks book, I decided against it. I understand the theory of picking up stitches for the gusset, but I couldn't execute it very well. I like short rows, so I'm sticking with that for now.
Now, why the MacGiver reference? Alison taught me a cast-on method using a crochet hook. When we got together to start this KAL, I couldn't find either of my crochet hooks. (I was going through a "can't find anything" phase; it's calmed down for now.) Ever resourceful, Alison suggested bending a paper clip into a hook and using that. Voila! It worked. I dubbed it MacGiver knitting since the problem was solved using an ordinary item. She also uncovered my crochet hooks; I had used them as bookmarks in the sock book.
Also on my needles...
I started another pair of socks using Crystal Palace Panda Bamboo Wool in Seascape. Another soft, delicious yarn to work with. The pattern is Slipped Stitch Rib, also from Sensational Knitted Socks. It's a very easy pattern.
When my friend Alison and I got together a couple of weeks ago for some knitting, the subject of sock clubs and Socks that Rock came up. I was considering joining one, but Alison had a great idea -- we could have our own club. We'd decide on a pattern and yarn and have a sock knit-along. Since Alison had just been to Maryland Sheep and Wool ("Brief Report" post on May 7), she had some delicious yarns to choose from. And she had a pattern for us in mind. So off I went to buy some yarn. At Alison's suggestion, I choose the Soft Touch 100% Wool Ultra Fingering Weight from Shelridge Farms. With such beautiful colors, it was difficult to choose one. So I bought two -- Pumpkin and Clover Flower. Alison has Azure, I believe. We both like knitting toe-up socks with short-row toes and heels so we decided that's how we'd do the first pair.
As soon as Alison sent me the sock pattern, I got started using the Pumpkin. Over the last week, I was able to finish the toe and one and a half pattern repeats. Alison came over yesterday and started her sock, completing the toe shaping. Here's are progress so far. Alison's yarn is more blue than it appears in this photo, and mine isn't as red. By the way, I really don't have giant feet. It seems I'm loose, er, I mean "relaxed," with the knitting needles. My stitches aren't very even, either. Alison's are so neat and tidy. I'm using size 0 dpns ,and Alison is using size 1s.
This pattern has a bit of an unusual twist -- the sock can be worn knitted side out (as you see here) or inside out which reveals a completely different, very fun design. I'm going to keep the inside design a secret until I finish the first sock. So stay tuned.
Under Construction -- Village of Hawk Run Hollow
Itching to Stitch commented on my last post that I hadn't updated my progress on Village of Hawk Run Hollow recently. I'm still working on the church block, but I'm missing some NPS. Until I get them, progress will be a little stalled.
Make sure you check out Itching's blog. She does beautiful work. In addition to VofHRH, she's also tackling Chatelaine's St. Petersburg White Nights -- gorgeous.
Finally, a completed sock! My first ever. It has felt like I've been working on it forever. There were many frustrating moments -- false starts, yarn-stealing cats and problems with binding off -- but I love the way it turned out. Of course, this is a happy dance on only one foot. Now, I have to knit its twin. I extended my Memorial Day weekend to Tuesday, so I plan to get a lot of cross-stitching and knitting done.
Those are Jasper's legs in the photo. I gave up trying to get him to move.
Seaside Cottage: On Track
It's coming along swimmingly. (Of course, if it was a bricks-and-mortar cottage that wouldn't be a good thing.) The couple I'm making this for is getting married at the end of August. I'm not worried about getting it done in time because Elizabeth Designs stitch up so quickly. The leaves on the trees will be satin stitches. There'll be a lighthouse (also done with satin stitches) on the right. Then a bit more on the sand, some flowers and it's done. Plenty of time to finish stitching and get it framed.
Bind-off Stand-off I'm not happy with the progress on the toe-up socks. On one hand (or should that be foot?), one sock is finished. On the other, I completely botched the bind-off. Referring to Nancy Bush's Simple Socks, I attempted a K2P2 bind-off. I knew I really wasn't getting it, but I kept going. Big mistake. When I was done, I couldn't get the sock pass my toes. I painstakingly ripped the bind-off out. But I'm rather disgusted with the darn thing. I dropped a couple of stitches and in a moment of insanity, I cut the yarn. I'm not sure I have a long enough tail to try again. (Actually, I'm positive I don't have enough). It should be okay if I rip out a couple of rows. I'll have a shorter leg, but at least it'll be done.
Learn Something New
When all else fails, learn something new. I think that'll be my new motto.
A couple of months ago, I bought some yarn which I was planning to use for a scarf. So, I decided it was time to wind it to prepare for starting this project. (Do I need to start another one? I'm sure you know the answer to that.) Ever since Alison had shown me the center-pull ball she made, I wanted to try it, too. A quick Google brought me to these instructions, which are very clear and easy to follow. In no time, I had a center-pull ball of yarn. It's nice and solid, and I like that the bottom is flat so that the ball doesn't roll around.
This morning, I started the Multi-directional Scarf by Karen Baumer. It starts with a cast-on of one stitch, increasing one stitch each row until one side of the triangle measures about 5 inches (or to whatever width you want the scarf). So far, so good. The directions suggest using the recommended size needles for the yarn chosen to create a more solid look. That would be size 9 or 10 for this Avalon yarn. Or go up one size for a looser look. I decided to go with the inexpensive, plastic size 10 circular needles I have on hand. Not exactly luxe, but I should still end up with a nice scarf.
The joys of not working for a week and a half...I read a book, started another and made progress on new projects.
By the Sea
First up -- Seaside Cottage by Elizabeth's Designs. I decided to substitute fabric from my stash for the 32 ct. Confederate Gray called for. I chose an overdyed from the now defunct Blended Needle -- 32 ct. Storm Cloud. I think it works well for a sky and water effect.
This is working up quite fast and I expect to have it done in time since it is a gift. My manager is getting married at the end of August and is having the wedding at a cottage on Cape Cod. I'm planning on adding their names, the date and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to make this piece a nontraditional wedding sampler. I'm either going to have it framed or mounted in a Sudberry or Old Colonial box.
The Dark Side of the Moon I also started Lunar Harvest. This is on 32 ct. Navy linen. I'm glad that the moon is mostly in DMC 3047, light yellow-beige, rather than grays. It's more pleasant to look at. Stitching on dark fabric is always a challenge, but the weave on this linen is a bit loose which makes is easier to see the holes. My eyes are also getting adjusted so I'm not minding it too much. Again, this is working up quickly, and is a gift for my niece. I don't normally stitch gifts but I seem to be in a giving mood right now. ;-)
What's afootSocks are coming along nicely. I had turned the heel then realized I dropped a stitch. Annoying, but it didn't take long to rip out the heel, pick up the stitch and re-turn the heel.
The yarn-stealing cats managed to get into by bag at one point and lost one of the dpns. (Much to my dismay, I'm sure I'll find it one day when I step on the pointy end). I'm now working the sock with 4 needles instead of 5. It doesn't seem to be making a difference, but it is easier to knit with 5 needles.
Looking at this, I'm wondering if I've started the cuff ribbing too soon. I should look at one of my reference books before I go any further.
Book Bag
Indulged myself by buying some books during vacation:
My Life in France by Julia Child
Julia Child's memoir, written with her grand nephew, about how she began her career as a French cook, author and TV cooking show host. I enjoyed reading about her journey and love of French cooking. I'd like to get Mastering the Art of French Cooking and try some recipes.
The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
Just started this and it grabbed me right away. Great opening: four horseman dressed as Knights Templar ride down Fifth Avenue to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the gala opening of a Vatican Treasures exhibit to wreak havoc and steal an ancient decoder device. Who hired them? What secrets will the device uncover? Can't wait to find out.
The Sign of the Cross by Chris Kuzneski
Another thriller with an ancient conspiracy theme.
Emperor (Time's Tapestry Book One) by Stephen Baxter
Seems to have elements I enjoy -- alternative history, generational saga, Roman and British empires. Only book one, so I'll have to see if it's a series I'll continue.
The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe
Picked this up in Michael's. It's always good to have a reference guide handy. It helped me figure out how to fix the dropped stitch in my sock.
Wish I had several more weeks to indulge my stitching, knitting and reading, but it's back to reality tomorrow.
Here Comes Santa Claus is finished! It's my first finish of the year. I bought The Prairie Schooler Limited Edition kit on my birthday in August and have thoroughly enjoyed stitching it. This design encompasses two of my favorite themes -- Santa and houses. When I bought the chart, I mistakenly thought that the trees at the top were a cityscape, which I really liked. Oh well, in my mind, it still is. Don't look too close otherwise you might notice the "specialty" fibers donated by Jasper and Curry.
On My Toes
I've been making good progress on the sock. Whenever you want some elbow room on the subway, may I recommend knitting with five very pointy double-pointed needles. On the way home tonight, I'm sure some people chose not to sit next to me because of my dpns. I'm not exactly graceful using them so they looked quite lethal.
I felt pretty confident working the short rows for the toes and am happy that there aren't any holes at the joins, so far.
Photo Ott
My Ott light is coming in handy for photo shoots. It's the best light in my living room and allows me to photograph projects without using a flash. I can adjust the exposure with my camera which also helps. By the way, JoAnn's is having a sale on Ott lights. I have the basic black floor task lamp, which I bought at Office Depot several years ago, but there are some really nice styles available now.
These are the projects I currently have in the works. I've mostly been stitching on Here Comes Santa Claus and Les Cerises, but I still consider the others as Wips rather than UFOs. Although not much stitching has occurred since I started blogging. Good thing there's a Metrostitcher event on Saturday at Tawny's. I expect to finish one of these. I also hope to pick up the framed Mirabilia Spring Queen, which has a story that will be told at a later date.
Here Comes Santa Claus by The Prairie Schooler
Started: August, 2007
This is a limited edition kit that comes with 28 ct. raw linen and Crescent Colours Overdyed Thread. These threads are very similar to Sampler Threads. Nice rich hues with subtle color variations. I've enjoyed stitching this and am very close to finishing. The Prairie Schooler is one of my favorites, especially the Santas. I have quite a few in my stash.
Les Cerises by Bleu de Chine
Started: January, 2007
Fabric: 28 ct. Lambswool linen
Fibers: DMC
I don't stitch florals often, but this is a pretty one. A little bit of spring to work on. I'm looking forward to stitching on this at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens during the upcoming Cherry Blossom season.
Shoe Tree -- Helene Tran DMC Collection
Started: Sometime in 2006
This is a kit that I bought in Paris a couple of years ago at Le Bonheur des Dames, a wonderful shop that also has its own cross-stitch designs. I was conveniently staying in a hotel just a few blocks away. The kit comes with DMC and Aida, which I switched out for an overdyed linen -- 32 ct. Glacier Colorscapes from Picture this Plus fabrics. You can see it in the photo, but the fabric has silver threads that give it a nice sparkle. I've really glitzed it up with this fabric since the design already uses gold metallic threads. This is such a fun, whimsical design that I wanted to stitch it on a fun fabric.
Tuscany by John ClaytonStarted: June, 2004
Fabric: 32 ct. evenweave
Fibers: DMC
I worked the first stitches for this design on another trip to France. Theresa, May and I were there for two weeks. One week in Uzes, a small town in Provence with two cross-stitch shops (NYC = 0 shops; Uzes -- 2 shops!) and the second week in Paris.
Introducing....my first pair of knitted socks. These are the Eiffel Tower socks from the first Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long, finished about 3 weeks ago. Yarn: Shelridge Farms Soft Touch 100% Wool Ultra Fingering Weight in Pumpkin Started: June
