Last FO of 2009

Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Seacoast Handpainted Superwash Sock
Colorway: Royal
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 24, 2009
Finished: December 30, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : Gusset
Cast off : Sewn bind off

I end this year with a pair of socks and will begin 2010 with another. Happy New Year!

Socks!

I finished another pair of socks:



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Tempted Good Grrl Superwash Merino
Colorway: Thigh Highs
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 17, 2009
Finished: December 24, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : Gusset
Cast off : Sewn bind off


There are still a few days left in December. So, I decided to cast on yet another pair of socks. I am hoping to have them done by the 31st (fingers crossed).



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Seacoast Handpainted Superwash Sock
Colorway: Royal
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 24, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel (to be used) : Gusset
Cast off (to be used): Sewn bind off

This yarn had some serious pooling action at 64 stitches. Since I am not the biggest fan of pooling, I cast on 72 stitches for the size large. So far the fit seems okay. I almost always stick with the 64 stitches for a medium sock and the fit is perfect.

I'm now off to stash dive and decide what yarn to use for next month's Socks from the Toe Up KAL.

Bah Humbug

Since I began knitting 6 years ago, I have discovered that
holiday knitting + me = psycho.

Therefore I just don't do it. Why delude myself with grandeur plans of knitting scarves, hats, mittens, etc? When the reality is:

1). I do NOT do well with time contraints (one and only exception, Socks from the Toe up KAL).

2). I prefer to celebrate the holiday season stress-free. Therefore, I choose NOT to exchange gifts at this time of year. I do not decorate my place. I do not spend money I don't have. The more stress I can eliminate, the better for EVERYONE around me.

This would be extent of my holiday knitting (which it really isn't since it should have been completed for my boss in August but those time constraints..):





Pattern: Fascinate from Berocco.com
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere 2-ply in Silver Fox
Needles: size 7
Started: May 29, 2009
Finished: December 16,2009
Recipient: wife of one of my bosses

I thoroughly enjoyed knitting with the Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere. Yes, it was buttery goodness in my hands. Perhaps, it took me so long because subconciously, I secretly wanted to keep it for myself!

This week, the winter Knitty came out. I have been returning to the project page at least once a day to eye the lovelies. I can literally see myself knitting at least SIX of the projects!

Since, I could not wait until one of my WIPs was completed, I cast on the Citron by Hilary Smith Callis.



Pattern Citron by Hilary Smith Callis
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace in Lettuce
Needles: size 6
Started: December 16,2009

The pattern is a breeze. This shawlette is perfect for Houston weather! Oh, and it is the BEST justification (in my mind anyway) to purchase more Malabrigo!

My second finished item this week is, yes, another pair of toe-up socks with a gusset heel:




Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Yarn
Colorway: Lumberjack
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 1, 2009
Completed: December 17,2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : Gusset
Cast off : Sewn bind off

I must always have a plain vanilla sock on the needles. It's like my security blanket. I cast on this pretty yesterday:



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Tempted Good Grrl Superwash Merino
Colorway: Thigh Highs
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 17, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel(to be used) : Gusset
Cast off (to be used): Sewn bind off

KAL

Warning: this post is super photo heavy.

In the knitting world: KALs (knit-a-longs) have never really been my thing. I could never get myself motivated to actually finish an item or two when joining a KAL, until now.

In June 2009, I joined the Socks From the Toe Up KAL on Ravelry. We knit two patterns a month: one from the book by Wendy Johnson and one of her free patterns. I cannot put my finger on it but for some reason this group has motivated/inspired me to finish an actual pair of socks each month (and sometimes 2 pairs)!

In June:



Pattern: Lacy Ribs Socks from "Socks From the Toe Up", by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Indie Dyer Supersock in Fruity
Needles: Size 1
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel: Gusset Heel
Bind off: Sewn Bind Off
Started: June10, 2009
Completed: June 29, 2009

In July:



Pattern: Nanners by Wendy Johnson
Toe: Judy’s Magic Cast On
Heel to be used. Slip Stitch Heel
Bind off: sewn bind off
size of needle used : 1
yarn and colorway used : Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in Maple Leaf
Start date: July 1,2009
Finished: July 16, 2009



Pattern: On-Hold socks by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Lettuce
Needles: Size 1
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel used: Slip stitch heel
Bind off: Sewn bind off
Started: July 16, 2009
Completed: July 26,2009

In August:



Pattern: Seaweed Socks by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn CO Happy Feet in Color 1
Needle: size 1
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel: Slip Stitch Heel
Cast off: Sewn Cast off
Started: August 1, 2009
Completed: August 12, 2009



Pattern: Diamond Gansey by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock
Colorway: Terracota
Needle size: 1
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel: Slip stitch heel
Cast off: Sewn cast off
Started: August 12. 2009
Finished: August 24, 2009

In September:



Pattern: Feather and Fan Socks by Wendy Johnson
Needles: size 1
Yarn: Tuscan Grove Venice
Colorway: Grape Polenta
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : Gusset Heel
Cast off : Sewn Bind off
Started: September 1, 2009
Completed: September 9,2009



Pattern: Trilobites from Socks From the Toe Up by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Sanguine Gryphon Sea Sock in Maggie May
Needles: size 1
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel: Slip stich heel
Cast off: Sewn Bind Off
Started: September 9, 2009
Finished: September 25, 2009

In October:



Pattern: Peace Socks by Wendy Johnson
Needle: size 3
Yarn: Schaefer Little Lola
Colorway: Blurple
Toe: Judy’s Magic Cast On
Heel: Gusset Heel
Bind off : Sewn Bind Off
Started: October 13, 2009
Finished: October 17, 2009



Pattern: Mock Cable Socks by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Sundara Sock in Basil over Buttercup
Needles: size1
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel: Slip Stitch
Cast off: Sewn Bind Off
Started: October 09, 2009
Finished: October 24, 2009
I added an inch rib cuff.

In November and December:



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Yarn
Colorway: Harvest Afternoon
Needles: Size 1
Started: November 1, 2009
Finished: November 9, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel: Gusset
Cast off: Sewn bind off



Pattern: Toe-Up Slip Stitch Heel Sock by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Good Grrl by Tempted in Fiesta
Needle: size 1
Started: November 9, 2009
Finished: November 16, 2009
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast on
Heel: Slip Stitch
Cast off: Sewn bind off



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn:Tuscan Grove Venice
Colorway: Three Tenors
Needles: Size 1
Started: November 16, 2009
Finished: December 1, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel: Gusset
Cast off : Sewn bind off

My current WIP (work in progress):



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Yarn
Colorway: Lumberjack
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 1, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel: Gusset
Cast off : Sewn bind off

As you have guessed, I am in LOVE with knitting toe up socks.

Why, you ask?

1. I HATE picking up stitches. By knitting socks toe up, I avoid wasting time by picking up stitches and my gusset to heel transition is MUCH prettier (no holes, etc).

2. Judy's Magic Cast On for toe-up socks is easy and makes the toes appear not so lumpy.

3. Elizabeth Zimmerman's Sewn bind off is beautiful when finished, stretchy and simple to do.

Now if I can only be inspired/motivated to keep up with this blog...

Stitch and Pitch 2009

This was a QUICK trip to St. Louis for Stitch and Pitch. I am always amazed at how MANY knitters come out for this event! The Cardinals played the Marlins and won 11-6.I worked on my plain vanilla sock so that I could pay attention to what was going on around me (i.e. checking out what everyone else was knitting and chatting).




Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Yarn
Colorway: Hocus Pocus
Needles: Size 1
Started: September 13, 2009



Thanks to Miss_Knotty, my Wollmeise has been revived! She also sent me the BEST mug ever! Isn't it great?!

Mourning

Wollmeise sock yarn carnage






The culprit (a.k.a. my squirrel chasing, lizard and yarn hunting, Cuqui)


My mini dilemma:

Should I

a) spend countless hair pulling hours putting the cake back together or

b) chuck it and allow the poor Wollmeise cake rest in piece

??????????????????

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Yes, it indeed has been QUITE a while since my last entry...My poor neglected blog! From here on out, I promise to visit EVERY day! Er..or at least once a week...

I have restarted organizing my knitting WIPs and stash. I have told myself(yet again) to NOT indulge on any more NEW lovelies until some of these WIPs are actually finished. This week has been devoted to finishing...a LOT easier to say than do! I have yet to count how many current WIPs I have squirreled around here and am sort of afraid to do so!

For now, I have NINE, yes, count 'em, nine projects I would love to finish before the July. As of now, I have only six photographed.



Pattern: Eastscarf by Norah Gaughan from Norah Gaughan, vol 3

Yarn used: Berroco Inca Gold in Verde Oliva (total 3 skeins)

Needles: size 7

I am surprised that I haven't finished this one up yet! It is SO much fun to knit!



Pattern: Noro Scarf by Jared Flood

Yarn used: Noro Silk Garden in 270 and 252 (total 4 skeins)

Needles: size 7

These Noro scarves are like popcorn at the movies. They are a must to knit when watching tv/movies/etc!



Pattern: Gusset Heel Basic Sock by Wendy Johnson

Needles: size 1

Yarn: Duet Skinny Sock Yarn in Cedar Swag

I must say that I have this pattern memorized down to the T. I find that this is best toe up pattern to showcase handpainted yarn and is not at all bulky for wear. Now, if I can only finish an actual PAIR of socks...



Pattern: Gusset Heel Basic Sock by

Needles: Size 1

Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock in S164 (left) and Noro Kureyon Sock in S185 (right)

I was not a fan of the Noro Kuryon sock yarn when it first came out. I must admit, it did grow on me. I truly enjoy watching the different colours "appearing"!




Pattern: Tradition Gansey Sock by Wendy Johnson from her FANTASTIC book, Socks From the Toe Up

Needles: 1

Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy in Good Luck Jade

I will have to continue with my "to finish" list later this week. For now, I will leave you photo from my latest trip: India.



Little Loopy was ALMOST confiscated at the security checkpoint of the Taj Mahal. After MUCH cajoling...ahem...Little Loopy found his way in to see one of the great 7 wonders of the modern world.