First Socks

I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned this before, but I had one goal in mind when I learned to knit: socks. I don't like crocheted socks so that left knitting. Thus I set out to learn to knit and, of course, got sidetracked by other projects along the way. I also discovered that I really like knitting.

Pattern: Easy Toddler Socks by Karen Caron at Needles and Wool
Dates: September 2007
Yarn: Moda Dea Sassy Stripes (100% Acrylic)
Color: 6997 Lucky
Needles: Set of 5 size 1 vintage aluminum DPNs
Finished size: fits Abby’s size 11 foot
Modifications: none
Lessons learned: These were my first socks so I learned everything here: turning the heel, picking up gusset stitches, and kitchener stitching the toe closed. I used the Toe Grafting: Kitchener 101 section of The Sock Knitter's Companion: Step-by-Step Help by Clara H. Parkes at Knitter's Review to help with the Kitchener stitch.
Comments: I know acrylic isn't normally the greatest choice for socks but there was no way I was going to shell out the money for nicer yarn. The acrylic is just fine for a first pair of socks being given to a 5-year old.

The only reason I was able to complete these socks was thanks to the generosity of a fellow knitter on Ravelry. I didn’t have enough yarn to finish the toe of the second sock so I posted a message asking if anyone had any scraps. Someone did and sent me the yarn as a gift. Knitters are wonderful!

First Mittens

An extremely wonderful friend of mine gave me this yarn and this pattern for Christmas last year. I put off doing the project for a while, largely because I was afraid of how nice the yarn was. But I finally got the courage and am pretty happy with the result. They seem a little different in size in the picture but don't seem that way in real life. I'm blaming my non-existent photography skills.

Pattern: Easy Hats & Mittens (AC-20) by Bev Galeskas at Fiber Trends

Dates: August 2007

Yarn: NORO Kochoran (50% Wool, 30% Angora, 20% Silk)

Color: 1

Needles: size 7 & 9 bamboo DPNs

Finished size: pattern says women’s medium and they fit me

Modifications: none (I'm not one to modify a pattern the first time out)

Lessons learned: This was my first set of mittens. Although the Ribbons Baby Blanket used DPNs for the center, this was the most I had used DPNs to date. There is a thumb gusset in these and I had to leave the thumb stitches on waste yarn until ready to knit them, something I had never done before.
Comments: I hope no one is surprised about the fact that this is a Fiber Trends pattern. I really love these! The colors and the color variations in these are amazing as well!

I swear I haven't gotten lost!

I know it has been a ridiculously long time since I have posted anything. I've actually been knitting like crazy but then not getting the project posted. At a minimum, I knit every day while waiting at the high school for Abby's bus. You'd think my posting problem was related to the house construction, but actually its a Ravelry problem. I've gotten so distracted by everything to be found that I often sit up late without realizing how much time is passing. But I've got a few drafts worked up and should have a flurry of posting activity coming up.

Oak Leaf & Acorn Scarf

This was my second lace project (I haven't posted the first one yet). I chose the pattern for my mom because Manley's last name is Oaks. The color choice is a little Christmas-y but that was done because my mom is a Christmas FREAK.

Pattern: Oak Leaf & Acorn Scarf by Evelyn A. Clark for Fiber Trends (AC-41)

Dates: October 2006 - about May 2007

Yarn: Plymouth: Suri Merino

Color: 2055 & 1440

Needles: Clover bamboo size 7

Finished size: 8.5" x 68"

Modifications: I used a heavier yarn than what was suggested. This was due to my desire to make the scarf at least partially alpaca.

Lessons learned: This is the first provisional cast on for me which consisted of a crocheted cast on. I worked the green side first, then pulled out the crochet stitches and worked the red side.

Comments: I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really seem to like the patterns from Fiber Trends. They are clearly written and the presentation is fantastic. The pattern is printed on cardstock and an actual photograph is attached to the page. The whole thing comes in a sheet protector. I'm becoming a big fan of buy individual patterns rather than a whole book where 2/3 are something I'll never make.