Toe-up Monkeys
Pattern | Monkeys by Cookie A
Yarn | Lorna Laces Shepherd Sock in Irving Park
Needles | 2.75 mm DPNs (very loose cast off by using 4 mm needles)
It took me a while before I finally jumped onto the Cookie A bandwagon and braved some Monkeys for my sock collection. But it was worth it! I chose to knit mine toe-up instead of cuff-down as per the pattern and substituted the heel flap for a more familiar short-row heel. Michelle did mention that heel flaps were easier to knit but I still like the whole “wrap and turn” thing.
The cuff and overall fit, however, is something that I’m not very pleased with. The foot is fine but from the leg up to the calf, it seems to be a bit tad loose and after trying it out on my feet, well, it has a tendency to scoot down towards the ankles. This was discovered even before I started on the second sock and thus, I started on my other sock WIPs in smaller needle sizes in hopes of getting a better fit. I’m tempted to even experiment with one size for the foot and another smaller one for the needle but we’ll see how 2.5mm goes with my other sock.
I also need to be more patient and knit a longer cuff. I suspect that the short cuff is not helping the issue at all!!!!!!!!!! Yes, so definitely a two inch cuff will be on the list for all my other projects.
Oh yes, those are DIY sock blockers which I just churned out earlier today with some simple instructions from Maryann. I couldn’t find cardboard so I had to use 220gm paper and because my placemats were transparent (is it just me or the Swiss just love soft Styrofoam-like placemats?), I had to cover both sides just to make it look…presentable. The cement glue didn’t help but beggars can’t be choosers. Other than that, the project was quick, easy and super fun! These red ones are for me; Nil will have a pair of his own which will be done either tomorrow or after next week, when we are done with our holiday in France.
Yes, he took a week off and we’ll be busy showing Mum around. So I’m bringing some sock projects to work on while we’re on vacation! Here’s the knitting in public!
Today is an extremely productive day - I completely two projects!!!
Elfine Socks
Pattern | Elfine Socks by Anna
Yarn | Sockenwollen Wool in Teal
Needles | 2.75 mm DPNs (very loose cast off by using 5 mm needles)
I have always been fascinated with handknitted socks, particularly lace ones and when I picked this pattern, I had no idea that it would be this addictive!
I had a superb time knitting this pair; the pattern was interesting and easy to remember PLUS the feel of the wool against my skin and the needle made it all the more easier to chug quickly along!
The bind off is still a little bit tad loose but it’s for wearing at home so I guess it’ll be alright anyway. As long as it goes over and past my heel, I’m happy!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Angelic Pink
Pattern | Angel Lace Shawl by Evelyn A. Clark
Yarn | Knitpicks Alpaca Cloud in Peppermint Heather
Needles | 4.5mm circulars (very loose cast off by using 7.5mm needles)
Modifications | A sprinkle of beads here and there…
When I first started this shawl, it was with the intention of wearing it to a friend’s wedding, but after several days of frantic knitting, I realized that I couldn’t make it in time so instead, it became a gift to my mother. A sort of going-away present from me, you could say; this and the pair of socks that I’ve just completed last night.
Angel Lace Shawl was a new pattern that I purchased. I seem to have a fond liking for Evelyn Clark’s patterns and am looking forward to the opportunity to purchase her latest book, Knitting Shawl Triangles. The lady has a knack for coming up with very feminine yet easy shawl designs…timeless pieces, IMHO.
Now that this is done, I’ll have a little bit more time to concentrate on my own designs, stock up my library…and of course, how could I forget? The big move. Can’t you believe it? I’m leaving in another 20 plus days!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Les Bleus
Pattern | Wendy’s Generic Toe-Up Sock with a short row heel
Yarn | Sirdar Town & Country 4 Ply Sock Yarn
Needles | 2.25mm DPNs
The socks which I frogged and restarted last year is now finally complete!!!!
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Remember yesterday when I mentioned that I had a couple of FOs ready to show off? Well, here they are!
First up, as usual, it’s one of my shawls…
Innocence
Pattern | Kiri
Yarn | Colourmart 100% cashmere in white
Needles | 4.5mm circulars (very loose cast off by using 7.5mm needles)
Modifications | A sprinkle of beads here and there…
This, I hope, will be mark the beginnings of a new venture in lace knitting. I’m planning on coming up with my own designs and have started work on a modified shawl. It should be ready for showcasing before the wedding dinner…or maybe I shouldn’t that optimistic!
It took me a month to finish this second FO and I’m more than pleased with it. Here’s why…
Entrelac Scarf
Pattern | Entrelac Scarf by Allison LoCicero
Yarn | Patons SWS (Stripes) in Natural Navy
Needles | 5mm bamboo straight
Modifications | The wrong side is lined with a stretch of satin-y cloth
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Rivers
Pattern | Kiri
Yarn | Knitpicks Alpaca Cloud in Stream Heathers
Needles | 4.5mm circulars (very loose cast off by using 7.5mm needles)
Modifications | A sprinkle of beads here and there…
The knitting which nearly halt from lack of enthusiasm on my part made this project absolutely difficult to finish. I delayed as much as I could only to pick it up again and go at it with as much gusto as I could muster.
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Bronze
Pattern | Flower Basket Shawl
Yarn | 100% silk in dark gold
Needles | 4.5mm circulars (very loose cast off by using 7.5mm needles)
Modifications | A sprinkle of beads here and there…
This was actually finished just before I left for Hong Kong nearly three weeks ago but I never got around to putting up updates simply because there were other things to blog about. I thought it’d be nice to go back to my knitting roots - it’s always less controversial and personally more fulfilling!
My knitting has somewhat slowed down. I think I’m beginning to run out of adrenaline. It’s nightmarish though because I still have four shawls left to go before December runs out. Lets not forget the Christmas presents as well…ack! Time to really start getting back on track again! Watch this space next week for another pretty shawl, k?
Pink Candy
Pattern | Shetland Triangle
Yarn | 100% wool in pink-yellow-purple
Needles | 4.5mm circulars (very loose cast off by using 7.5mm needles)
Modifications | A sprinkle of beads here and there…
Knitting this took me more time that I would usually take because of my food poisoning spell but blocking it was a wonderful experience because of the sweet feminine colours! The yarn as usual was wonderful to knit with - not really as thin as the pure silk cones and not as thick as the alpaca hanks…just perfect for that airy feel.
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