So… you remember that whole smugness I had about knitting two socks at a time on two circular needles being so easy?

Well, technically I’ll still argue it’s surprisingly easy. However, I managed to screw mine up a bit last night, proving that though “easy”, they do require a certain amount of attention and focus.

I made the mistake of trying to turn the heels and pick up gusset stitches while chatting with the ladies at our LYS’s sock club last night. Not a good idea. I apparently wasn’t really paying attention to what I was doing.

At first glance you might not see the problem here (particularly if you’ve not knit using this technique). However, if you take a look at where the yarn is coming off each sock, you’ll find the problem. The socks are essentially mirror images of each other, and they should be the same, with the gussets picked up on the same side and the yarn coming off that side. I’ve knit myself into a bit of a corner so now I need to rip back and fix it.

One of the tricks to this technique, I’m finding, is that you need to pay attention to where your yarn is (particularly when you cast on, and when you work on a single sock at a time to do the heels). It’s not difficult. You just need to make sure you follow directions properly, which clearly I did not.

Needless to say, I’m a little perturbed with this project at the moment, mostly because it’s my own darn fault. Thankfully though, it’s entirely fixable … when I have the patience to do so.

Last night, I did not have that patience.

So instead, I decided to cast on my new sock for sock club! (Pfft, who am I fooling? I would have done it anyway. I couldn’t resist.)

The yarn is Schaefer Anne. I have one other skein of Anne in my stash but I have yet to work with it. It’s a blend of 60% merino wool, 25% mohair, and 15% nylon. It is fabulously soft. I have to admit, I’m enjoying working with a fiber that has some mohair in it — it’s a fun change of pace. I’m not sure of the colorway name (”Blue Jeans” maybe?) but I believe it was an exclusive for our sock club. (Can someone from the club correct me if I’m wrong? — I thought that’s what I heard someone say.)

The pattern we’re using is the Anne Lacey Cuff Socks designed by Rebecca Hatcher. It’s a toe-up pattern which is relatively new for me. I’ve only ever knit one practice baby sock toe-up before, and I struggled with it a bit.

While at the LYS last night, I grabbed a 32″ Addi Turbo needle in size 2 and when I got home, I cast on and started knitting. After just a few rows, I realized size 2’s weren’t going to do the trick at all. (And come to find out, I read on Ravelry today that size 2 Addis are really closer to a 2.5 and that their 1’s are more like 1.5’s — did y’all know that? I sure didn’t.)

So I tore out what I’d done, which thankfully wasn’t too much. I reexamined the pattern and saw that it calls for a size 1 needle. (Where was my brain last night?!) Unfortunately, I realized I didn’t have any long size 1 cable needles. I had size 1 DPNs, but I really had wanted to do magic loop because that’s what the pattern was written for, and I was anticipating having enough problems doing toe-up that I didn’t want to complicate my (knitting) life further.

That’s when I remembered that when I’d ordered needles from Knit Picks to do the 2 socks on 2 circs, I’d ordered both 1’s and 2’s. The 2’s are otherwise occupied at the moment, but I still had the 1’s stashed in my bag! Wahoo! So while they weren’t really long enough to do magic loop (16″ and 24″), I decided I’d try using two circulars instead. I didn’t, however, decide to do two at a time in this case. The book I have doesn’t explain how to do toe-up using this technique and after my fiasco earlier in the night, I wasn’t feeling like taking a risk. Heh.

So I cast on again using the size 1’s. Much better! I now have a lovely little toe. It’s so snuggly and soft.

I think I may actually give up my beloved DPNs for sock knitting at some point. I’m starting to really like the 2 circulars. For some reason, magic loop didn’t really appeal to me when I first tried it. Either way, I’m glad I’ve tried all 3 needle type/technique options. Now I need to work on getting comfortable with toe-up socks. And then move on to all the different heels and toes…

My first FO of 2008 is complete: a pair of socks made from Noro sock yarn. The colorway I picked was S95.

My ultimate take on the Noro sock yarn is that while I love this particular pair of socks, I’ll probably not knit this yarn again.

The color is undoubtably beautiful. Like other Noro yarns, the gradation between the colors is really the selling point. However, there’s just too many negatives (IMHO) to make it worth working with this yarn again.

One complaint I have is that there were under-spun sections of yarn that created thick sections and lumps in otherwise tightly knitted fabric. Another issue is the scratchy feel of the yarn. My friend Erica described it as feeling “like a dish scrubber” and I really don’t think she was exaggerating. On your feet, it really isn’t scratchy at all and I’m sure it will soften with wearing and washing, however while you’re knitting it, it’s very abrasive on your fingers. My cuticles became pretty sore by the time I was finishing up the second sock.

Even those issues I could get past if it weren’t for the ladders! I’ve never had this much of a problem with laddering before! It seems to be because this yarn has virtually no stretch to it.

Since I finished the Noro socks, I had more time to work on the socks I’m knitting for my husband. I mentioned these in my previous entry: I’m knitting them using the technique from Knitting Circles around Socks: Knit Two at a Time Using Circular Needles. I really feel like I’m getting the hang of the technique. I’m having less problems keeping my yarn from tangling, which was my main issue when I started.

I think I’m going to knit another inch or two before I start the heel flap. The only thing I’m a little concerned about is picking up the stitches to knit the gusset — it seems like things might get a bit tight on the needles. But we’ll see. I have faith in this book, as the directions have been great so far. This may become my new favorite technique for sock knitting.

Tuesday night is sock club at my LYS too. I’m excited because we’re going to be starting with a new pattern and new yarn. I can’t wait to see what we’ll be working on!

Seriously. I’m never this lucky. I don’t mean to gloat, and please don’t hate me…

Yes. Five skeins of Wollmeise sock yarn. Isn’t it beautiful?! The colorways from left to right are: Iris Sibirica, Blue Suzanne, Löwenzahn, Poison Nr. 5, and Campari Orange. A couple already have gift-recipients (not for the yarn itself, but for finished socks made from the yarn). Surprisingly I’m most in love with the Löwenzahn (the bright green in the middle) so I think the socks made from that will be my own special treat for myself.

On top of the lovely yarn, I also managed to get a spot in The Loopy Ewe sock club for ‘08. I can’t wait! I’ve never joined any of the many popular sock clubs (e.g. Socks that Rock, Yarn Pirate, etc.) out there before, so I’m really excited. I guess the first shipment will be mailed out the second week of March, so I have a while to wait. I think I have more than enough sock yarn to keep me busy in the mean time.

I think the only way my day could get better is if Lime & Violet post a new episode of their podcast tonight. Hehe. I’m having L&V withdrawals.

To (theoretically) speed up my sock knitting (or at least combat second sock syndrome), I’m finally learning to knit socks two at a time. I’m using the book Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles by Antje Gillingham which is excellent. The pictures and descriptions are extremely easy to follow. Even a beginner at sock knitting would be able to knit socks with this book, I think.

The pattern I’m using is actually one of my favorite stand-bys: the 8 Stitches Per Inch Sock from Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd. The yarn is Schaefer Heather in the “Coretta Scott King” colorway (navy blue and brown). The socks (assuming they turn out successfully) are for my husband who has actually been bugging me to knit him a pair!

Most of the time I knit socks on DPNs. I’ve done a couple pairs using the Magic Loop technique as well. I know some people knit single socks two at a time on two circulars. I’ve not tried that before, but I jumped right in knitting two at a time on two circs, and it’s surprisingly easy apart from keeping the 2 balls of yarn from getting wrapped around each other as you turn your work. I’m still not sure whether it will replace my beloved DPNs though…

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I had a great holiday, even though it was small and quiet.

My husband surprised me with a shiny new 80GB iPod Classic so now I can fit all my music and all my podcasts on there! *squee!* AND I can load it up with video podcasts too. (Can you tell I’m excited?!)

Some of my other favorite surprises were two Harry Potter HD-DVDs (also from my husband), a “I [heart] Knitting” sweatshirt (embroidered for me by my mother), and lots of knitting books.  Oh! And my parents got me the KnitPicks Options interchangeable circular needle set!

Speaking of knitting books, though… thanks again to my friend in Canada. I got your package on Christmas-eve. What a surprise! Thank you SO much.

Knitting books added to my arsenal this Christmas: Knitting Circles Around Socks, More Sensational Knitted Socks, Favorite Socks, Big Girl Knits, Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter, and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off. Crazy, huh? I’ve been carrying my knitting and my stack of books all around the house for me so that any time I have a minute I can knit a few rows or read a few pages.

This Christmas will also forever be remembered as the “single sock Christmas”. I didn’t manage to finish the socks I was knitting for my father-in-law, so I wrapped up the one sock I had completed and sent it to him with a note explaining that the elves at Santa’s workshop were behind but would get the second sock to him a.s.a.p. I felt like an idiot. I mean, who gives someone one sock as a gift?! Ha ha. The second sock is almost done though. The heel is turned and half the foot is knitted. So I’m almost there.

Despite the fact that I could (should) have been finishing my FIL’s socks last night, I couldn’t resist starting to knit up the Noro that I got with my Loopy Ewe gift certificate from Alan & Erica. I wanted to see how the colors would look because they’re so deceiving on the skein.

If for some crazy reason you haven’t seen it yet, this is the new Noro Kureyon Sock yarn. I chose colorway S95. I’m using US size 1½ (2.5mm) DPNs and getting about 9 stitches per inch.

Though it might be shocking, this is my first time using Noro of any sort. As many others have mentioned, it’s not soft (at least compared to most sock yarns). However, I don’t find its texture offensive. The colors, of course, are amazing. I didn’t find any knots in my skein (which I’ve read is a problem with other Noro yarns) and I’ve only found a few bits-o-nature (little twigs) which were easy to pull out as I went along. Overall, I love the results but with so many other sock yarns out there to choose from, I’ll probably only use this once and move on to something else. So many yarns, so little time, ya know?

I decided today that before the day was over I was going to finish this Christmas-gift sock. So FINALLY, it’s done. Too bad that’s only one.

The yarn is Knit Picks Felici in “Arugula”. It’s very nice to work with. I didn’t use a set pattern per-say. I mixed and matched some ribbing from Getting Started Knitting Socks to make it unique.

Now I’m swapping back to another pair of Christmas gift socks that I’ve been half-done with for quite a while. I’m basically alternating back and forth so that I don’t get bored. I may cast on one more pair of Christmas gift socks also. I just haven’t decided which pattern or which yarn from my stash to use yet.

I snapped this super cute picture of Gidget, fast asleep on an afghan. I must have 500 photos of Gidgy sleeping already. Cats just always look so adorable curled up, dreaming away.

(You can tell I’m a newbie to this whole cat ownership/being owned by a cat -thing.)

I tell you, The Loopy Ewe is an addiction! This is my 4th order from them, and I’ve now purchased enough to get a $25 store credit as a reward. (Yipes! … And YAY!) I’m holding out for some Wollmeise. (*squee*)

Anyway, from left to right, we have:

- Dream in Color Smooshy in “Cool Fire”

- Misty Mountain Farm Jubilee in “Sunset”

- Yarn Nerd 850 MHz Merino in “Ting!”

My copy of Sensational Knitted Socks also came in the mail today, and I’m extremely eager to look at it! I’ve been doing a lot of sock knitting for gifts for the holiday season… but I really can’t wait to make myself another pair too… *sigh* Eventually!

I spent much of my day today knitting. (What a great way to spend a weekend!!)

My goal for the weekend was to finish my Lola Walking Rib socks. I’m almost there. Last night I finished knitting the first sock, and this morning I grafted the toe. I cast on the second sock early in the afternoon, and I just finished turning the heel and decreasing so I can knit the foot. So I’m almost there!

I made the leg a bit shorter than was called for in the pattern, so they look a little disproportionate in pictures, but in person I think they look good. It’s only the second sock (aside from baby socks) that I’ve knitted, so I’m happy. I think this pair is going to a Christmas gift for my grandmother actually.

Speaking of gifts — I’m hoping to knit quite a few of my Christmas gifts this year. These socks will be the first homemade gift I’ve finished making so far this year. I have another gift for someone else about 1/3rd of the way finished. I want to make up cute tags for my knitted gifts too, so I can put washing instructions and such on them. I’d hate to give someone a gift and then have them feel bad if they washed and dried it and wound up with a felted wool mess. Heh.

Check out what came in the mail today!!
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It’s lovely merino sock yarn from Whorled Peace. The colorway is Royal Blue over Wasabi.

I just love the subtle color variations. I have a tendency to always buy sock yarns that are drastic color variegations, and while that’s great, for some patterns a more solid or semi-solid yarn is much better. So when I saw this particular semi-solid, I HAD to have it! This one is going to have to go in the stash for a little while though, because I need to focus on gifts and I want this one for myself… heh.

I started reading Laurie Perry’s (a.k.a. Crazy Aunt Purl) Drunk, Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair last night. In the beginning, I was nearly in tears. Later on, I was actually laughing out loud. It’s such an emotional, heart-felt book. The part (so far) that cracked me up the most was her explanation of ‘Advanced Cooking ADD’ — what a RELIEF. Now I know there’s a name for the disease I’ve suffered from all my life! (Hehe.) I’m only about halfway through the book, but I’m enjoying it SO much. I can’t wait to go meet Ms. Perry and have my book signed a week from Monday!

Anyway, aside from the gift-making, I have some projects in the works for myself too: I’m supposed to be going to see a midnight show of Rocky Horror Picture Show next weekend, so I decided I need to knit myself a skinny eyelash yarn scarf (a pseudo feather boa) for that. I’m also planning to pick up some ink jet iron-on transfer paper to make a custom t-shirt with the RHPS lips logo on it. Or at least, that’s my plan. We’ll see how it goes…

… So many projects, so little time.

In case you haven’t been told, it’s officially Socktober. There’s just something about sock-knitting and autumn that apparently go together.

For me, it’s autumn, sock knitting and pumpkin-spice flavored coffee. (Mmm.) Thanks to advice from the Caffeine Addicts group on Ravelry, I decided to pick up a french press last night. Admittedly, you can taste a difference in the coffee. Nick isn’t a fan of coffee anyway, so it’s perfect for making just enough coffee for myself.

Anyway…

I cast on my first Magic Loop sock the other day. I’m using the basic guidelines for the 6-stitches per inch sock from Getting Started Knitting Socks, but I threw in a 1×1 twisted rib for the cuff.

These socks are (hopefully) going to be a Christmas gift for someone.
Unfortunately, though, I had to take the first sock (in the state of finish shown in the picture) off my needle and put it on hold so I could cast on my first sock for sock-club:

Tuesday was my first sock club get-together at The Neighborhood Knit Shop. It was a neat experience for me because I’ve never gone to a knitting class or to a sit-n-knit. I met lots of nice women, and I tried hard not to be so shy. Thankfully everyone was very welcoming and friendly. I’m hoping to maybe go hang out at the shop on Saturday or Sunday and work on my knitting. (Have I mentioned how much I love my LYS?)

The pattern we’re knitting for our first sock club sock is the Lola Walking Rib pattern from Schaefer Yarn. I made a lot of progress during the two hours at sock club … unfortunately, it was all wrong. (*headdesk*) Near the end of the evening, I was admiring one of the other ladies’ socks that she’d been working on. I asked what pattern it was because it looked a lot different than mine — she said it was the same pattern everyone was doing. Uh oh.

Turns out, I’d skipped the 1.5″ at the top that was supposed to be ribbing, and I’d gone directly into knitting the walking rib pattern. DUH. Thankfully I didn’t feel quite as stupid when three or four other women chimed in and said they had made the exact same mistake.

I went home and frogged the entire thing and started over. I managed to stay up late enough on Tuesday night to knit to where I had been before frogging (but this time with the cuff). Last night, I worked on it till I got the heel turned, and now I’m ready to start knitting the foot. So it’s progressing!

I wanted to make sure and mention: if you’re interested in knitting socks, Lime and Violet posted the first part of their new sock knitting tutorial the other day. I read through it and the directions were absolutely great and very easy to understand, and the accompanying photos helped illustrate the directions perfectly. So if you’re interested in knitting socks but scared to give it a try, go read through their tutorial!

I also (*squee*) have a bunch of knitting-related fun coming up at the end of the month:

• Tuesday, October 23rd — Schaefer Yarn trunk show @ The Neighborhood Knit Shop (4-8 p.m.)
• Saturday, October 27th — Harvest Days & Fiber Festival in Murfreesboro (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• Monday, October 29th — Drunk, Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair book signing with Crazy Aunt Purl @ Barnes & Noble (7 p.m.)

… Seriously, how fun is all THAT?! I’m especially excited about the fiber festival. Unfortunately their website is down (which is why I didn’t link it), but they’re supposed to have shearing and spinning demonstrations as well as having lots and lots of local vendors. As an aspiring fiber-animal-owner and spinner, the demonstrations really interest me a lot. And of course, as a knitter, I can’t wait to check out some local yarns!

Finally, I’ve been doing some fun shopping again, so in a couple days I should have some fun new yarns and other goodies to share with you all. I can’t wait! Darn waiting for the postman…