Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Lullaby Blue Socks

I finished a pair of socks last night. I named them after the colourway from Knit Picks, the yarn is their Stroll Handpainted 462 yards. 

I love blues and these are really blue! I still have tons of yarn left too. Enough to make another pair, certainly lots to use in my Epic Blanket.


The pattern is really a tutorial found here on how to do short row heels/toes. I started with a cast on of 64 stitches and did ribbing for about 16 rounds. I used my favorite size of dpns for knitting socks, 2.75mm.

The heel itself was easy to do, had those pesky holes on the first sock though (when you finish the heel and go back to knitting the foot). It was an easy fix on the second sock (just pick up an extra stitch on the first round and knit it together with the next stitch on the next round).


What I like about these heels:
- they knit up fast! No flap or turning the heel or gussets...
- the patterning stays the same throughout the sock, no weird pooling or break up of stripes
- it looks slick...

What I don't like about these heels:
- picking up double wraps on little dpns isn't much fun
- the heel doesn't fit as well as I wanted it to
- the leg portion of the sock ended up shorter than I wanted because the heel isn't as long as it would be if I had done a flap
- and the same for the foot, I had to knit it longer to make up for the gussets

So would I knit this style heel again? Ya, probably. I could see using it for self striping yarns. But I still like the heel flap/turn/gusset style better, at least for fit.



I'm debating what my next sock project is going to be. I've knit 7 pairs now this year. I have so many scraps  that don't fit into my blanket theme that I may do a true scrappy patchwork pair.

On the other hand I'm ready for a sock challenge. Maybe something with lots of cables or twisted stitches or lace. I'll let you know what I chose when I cast on...

Monday, August 27, 2012

Lavender Linen Satchel

I've been wanting to make some little potpourri pouches for ages for my linen closets. Even my yarn stash could use a few since it lives in plastic bins in our damp musty basement.

I knew I wanted something simple but pretty. I had a bit of alpaca left over that I had bought from a spinner years ago. It's cream and soft and really lovely. I didn't have much though, enough to squeeze out 6 wee squares.



If you'd like to make these little satchels you will need:
worsted weight yarn
3.75mm needles (I used 2 dpns)
yarn needle
ribbon
old pantyhose
potpourri or lavender


Cast on 19 sts

Row 1-4: (K1, P1) x 8, K1
Row 5: K1, P1, K1, P1, K11, P1, K1, P1, K1
Row 6: K1, P1, K1, P13, K1, P1, K1
Repeat Row 5 and 6, 8 more times
Row 23-26: (K1, P1) x 8, K1
Bind off in pattern

Weave in ends.




They're very plain so I decided since I'm on a needle felting kick to add a few little embellishments. Of course you don't have to do this especially if you're using hand painted yarn. Or you could do some embroidery or sew on a button or ribbon.





I ordered some lavender flowers from Mountain Rose Herbs and pulled some ribbon from my rather large ribbon collection.

I've put the lavender in some old pantyhose (about a teaspoon per pouch) and tied a knot to close it.




Then I put two squares together right sides facing out and seamed the bottom and both sides of squares to form a pouch (I used one of the ends to seam and tucked the other ends into the pouch).



Next I placed one of the lavender bundles into the pouch and wove the purple ribbon through the top to close it. This way when I have to change out the scented bundle I can just undo the ribbon to open the satchel.



Voila! Wee lavender satchels! I only have 3 and I need more! So I'm on the hunt for some more leftover bits of yarn (don't worry, I have tons) and some time, maybe a rainy fall day. This may be the perfect project to work on with a cup of tea...










Sunday, August 5, 2012

FO - Satsuma Stripes Sweater

I finished a test knit a few months ago for City Purl that I can finally share. She's released the pattern for sale here. My project page is here.


I really love this sweater. I used Sublime Organic Merino Wool DK in cream and taupe. This stuff is so lovely and soft. There are lots of natural shades that I love too. I'd definitely buy more for sure.

The sweater is knit at pretty tight gauge for this yarn but that works to help keep the pilling down. It also makes for a dense warm fabric. This sweater is heavy!


I didn't make any mods because I was test knitting the pattern. To be honest I don't think there would be anything I'd want to change anyway. The fit is fabulous and the instructions were easy to follow.

I think if I knit this again I'd like to do a non striped version or have the stripes worked in a rainbow. Something fun maybe. 


Little Sheep Virtues

Happy Friday! I'm pretty excited to be sharing this cross stitch project with you all. Pattern: Little Sheep Virtues 1-12 by Litt...