ShihKnits » socks

Summer

winnie — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:56:05 +0000

Summer knits, as I have come to find, should be quick, easy, and mind-numbing. As much as I try to coordinate my yarns with the seasons, I find that so-called summer yarns (the cottons, the hemps, the linens) do not tempt me as much as their woolen cousins. This is the primary reason why the Cherry Cardigan and the linen Perfect Fit Skirt have slowed down to a snail’s crawl, because quite frankly, I just love knitting with wool. As the temperature rises to the 70s and 80s, it is easier for me to turn to miniature wool projects, like socks and hats.

Pattern: Embossed Leaves Socks, in Interweave Knits Winter 2005

Materials: Sz 1 DPNs, 2 skeins of Koigu KPM 1205

Notes: No modifications to the pattern. I love this shade of yellow almost-solid Koigu, and the pattern is easy to execute. I’m not too crazy about the star-toe, although I admit it was exciting to try something new. The socks are a little loose on my sz 7 feet, but I think it’d make a pair of comfy house socks this winter. Koigu on your feet is luxury. This FO brings a bounce in my steps!

Pattern: Felicity (PDF Pattern Link) by Wanett Clyde

Materials: Leftover Cascade 220 wool in shade 7814 from my Biker jacket, Sz 8 DPNs

Notes: Truth be told, I did not follow this pattern at all. I loved its simplicity, and just CO 84 sts and increased to 100 sts at random and knit straight for 5.5 inches. At the time of knitting, I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted the slouchy look that the original pattern provided, so I just did a CCD decrease (slip 2 as if to knit, k1, psso) in every round until I bound off the hat. I still like the FO, but I think I’m going to make a real Felicity hat in the future. This shortened and heavily modified version produces horns. Ha ha. This is what I get for butchering a perfectly executed pattern.

Next we have a striped beanie made from one of my secret favorite yarn. Secret in the sense that I love it, I hoard it, and yet, I haven’t made an entire sweater out of it. Learning my lesson from Felicity Shortie above, this time I wanted:

Non-curling edges (and yet, no garter, and no knit hems)
Stripes
A little texture
Easy memorizable pattern
Not slouchy, and yet not constrict-your-circulation-tight hat

We shall discuss this Stripey Tweedy hat recipe in the next post. Until then, happy summer knitting.

The State of Things

winnie — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:35:55 +0000

Sometimes, it sucks when work usurps all your energy and leaves you way too brain dead to work on the more interesting things in life, like, your knitting. Such was the case this week. But let’s get on with the progress of my imitation biker jacket.

It’s still missing a pair of epaulets, the remaining sleeves (I’ve decided to go full length – only because I realized that I do have enough yarn), and the two front borders. Knitting without a pattern is liberating, but scary all at once. I based the measurements off one of my cropped cardigans, knit the pockets, and then decided that I did not want a cropped jacket. As a result, the pockets now sit right below my breasts, and there is no way I am ripping out all the sewing again. I am hoping, that with the magic of blocking (Shh. Don’t convince me otherwise), I can somewhat increase the distance between the pocket and my under boob a little. Other than the pocket mishap, things have been pretty smooth-sailing. Top down knitting is the bomb! No more worrying whether or not you can fit all your sleeve stitches into that armhole.

I’m playing with two ideas for a front band right now. Currently, I have plans to sew hidden snaps with decorative buttons on the front band, and reinforce the band with a ribbon facing to minimize wear-n-tear. But after studying Grumperina’s zipper installation tutorial, my absolutely-no-zipper resolution is wavering. I kept thinking to myself: “Hey, how hard can it be, right?”

We’ll sit on this for a few days while the rest of the sleeves are completed. Incidentally, I just realized that the color-combo seems very child-like. It must be my inner Peter-Pan.

In the mean time, two pairs of socks have been completed.

Do not be fooled by the aesthetics of this image. This pair of Koigu Aquaphobia Socks, made for Bobby G (he who feeds my Koigu fetish), was made without modifications to fit his ultra-wide feet. We must have taken over 20 photos to find the right one. He has requested that I be kind while describing his feet, so with much restraint on my part, let’s just say that his feet make him a good swimmer. (How am I doing with the kindness so far?)

Continuing with the blue-green kick that I’ve been on for a while, I also finished a pair of knee highs with Online Supersocke Yarn that I purchased in StitchDC last year. Nothing spectacular, just simple stockinette on Sz 0 and 1 needles.

(I like this shot better. Makes me legs look leaner)

In The Name of Science

winnie — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:58:48 +0000

For the last few days, I’ve been obsessed with biker-style jackets. I searched the fashion forums and picked out two that I liked most.

(simple lines, hidden pockets, and epaulets)

What I happen to have is also 7 balls of chunky yarn that was originally purchased to make Tikru’s Greengable. Unfortunately, I realized it wasn’t enough. Since then, the yarn has been staring me in the face gnawing at me to make something out of it. So when the startitis bug hit, I gave in to the temptation of instantly casting on. I made a mental list of the qualities that I want from this jacket, and I realized that given the possibility of running out of yarn, the jacket should be:

Knit top down, but with short-rows for shoulder shaping
With top down set-in sleeves
Have vertical slit pockets on both fronts, also top down
High collar
Sleeve, bottom and collar bands in contrast color, but keep front button bands in same color
Epaulets! Wee….

Of course it was then that I realized that there is no pattern for all the things that I want to do, so what better time than to make my own? That’s right – my jacket is going to have ALL of those qualities. Barbara Walker, don’t let me down now. And this is what I have to show for it after 2 days.

(a big lump of chunky yarn)

Oh yea, and I’m also knitting a pair of Aquaphobia Socks on the side too. You can never have too many WIPs.

(jah…I is busy)

Sock Love

winnie — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:48:00 +0000

A few months ago, news broke about the new Addi Turbo lace knitting needles, you know, the ones with the really sharp tips. My friend Bobby G and I (more like I dragged Bobby G) went to the LYS to gets me a pair of them sharp sharp needles. So, new needle in hand, but nothing to cast on.Enter sock yarn section.”Bobby G, would you like a pair of handknit socks?” said I.

Bobby G: “My feet are too wide to knit socks for.”

Winnie S: “Oh yes but that is the wonder of handknit socks. You knit to fit.”Ta da! Bobby G, for the first time in his life, has a pair of socks that does not cut off his blood circulation. He is pleased.

And we took the opportunity to showcase our lovely feet together on this fine Saturday afternoon.

Project Specs: Bobby G’s Wide Manly Socks
Materials: Sz 1 Addi Turbo Lace needles, Meilenweit Colortweed #1008 (80% virign wool, 20% polyamide)
Sizing: Sz 9 foot, 64 sts.

The Sock That Needs No Introduction

winnie — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 20:11:00 +0000

Pattern: Jaywalker by Grumperina
Materials: Sz 0 addi turbo, Regia Mini Ringel #5340 (2 balls, with tons of leftover yarn)
Notes: I cast on 76 sts for the smallest size in Sz 0 needles, and they still came out a bit loose. I usually cast on 60 sts on Sz 0 addi’s for my ribbed socks.. so I guess 76 sts is a bit too much, even for the zig-zaggy pattern. I’m going to reduce it to 68 sts for my next pair…Yes that’s right..there is going to be a next pair.
Aside from knitting Jaywalkers.. I haven’t done much knitting the last few days.. feeling just a wee bit uninspired. But I’ve had that before.. and I’m sure things will pick up again soon. And you can be damn sure I ain’t jaywalking in L.A.. a few years ago one of my friends did a little bit of jaywalking and got slapped with a $90 ticket. OuCh! That’s enough money for more jaywalker sock yarn!

Well hello..

winnie — Sat, 05 Nov 2005 11:50:00 +0000

It’s good to be back home! I spent the last week at a conference and I finally made it back to LA last night. Not much knitting going on recently, except that I finished a pair of really really bright knee-highs.Materials: Regia 4-ply Jubilee Color 5473 (100g, 75% wool, 25% polyamide), Sz 0 + 1
Pattern: Figure 8 CO, 60 sts in Sz 0 all the way up to just before calves, then Sz 1 needles for another 6 inches, and finished off with 2″ of 1 by 1 ribbing with sewn cast off
Notes: Not much.. except that it’s done with k4p1 and I used up every last bit of yarn. I like knitting socks with Sz 0′s to produce a firm fabric and I think this Regia yarn has been the best sock yarn (in terms of softness) that I’ve worked with so far. The colors are abit crazy, but I’m sure no one will notice them under my jeans. It’s great to have a pair of cheerful handknit socks for this winter.
Now that I got these out of the way, I have some time to decide on my next project. I’m leaning towards the Renaissance Tunic by Teva Durham, and even obtained gauge for the pattern. But Demi is calling out to me too, so I’m having a little trouble deciding which project to dive into. I have Jaeger Shetland Aran in burgundy for Demi, but I haven’t swatched yet so we’ll see. I’m still trying to catch up with the blog-reading (boy you gals are chatty) and am looking forward to spending the weekend relaxing in my pj’s and sleeping in. Seems like you all have been busy knitting while I was away.. good thing too, because I need some serious inspiration to get my knitting mojo back in gear. For those who have emailed me while I was gone, sorry I haven’t replied. I’m still sorting through the messages but I’ll get back to you eventually.

Spare me a few yards?

winnie — Tue, 18 Oct 2005 09:20:00 +0000

For starters, if you don’t know this already, Diana finished her Raspy. I have one word for it – perfection. That gave me the motivation to pick it up and start knitting again. When I ordered yarn for this sweater initially, I just looked at the yarn requirements for a size small sweater and it said 12 balls. So I bought 13 – you know, just in case. The yarn arrived and I took a closer look at the finished schematic size and noticed that the finished sleeve length before the raglan decreases was 17.5″. 17.5″? Oh SHIT — that’s like, 3/4 length for my long ass arms!!! So I hurried through the back piece to check how many balls it would require, and plowed through the first sleeve (lengthened, of course) like a mad woman. I recalculated and figured out that 13 balls of yarn would cover the knitting – SANS seaming. What??? Then I checked Elann, and for 1 ball of Den-m-Nit in Dark Indigo, plus shipping, totals approx 10 bucks. 10 bucks for a freaking ball of yarn to seam – when all I need is a few yards? I think my heart just sank.

So here’s the plea – does anyone have left-over Den-m-nit in Dark Indigo from their previous projects that they would be able to part with? I just need a few yards. Just a few measly yards. Please?

I’m going to be MIA for a while. Conference coming up in two weeks and I am running around like a headless chicken. Stress and I are like best chums right about now. And that last few yards to seam Raspy makes me want to punch myself in the face. Coulda, woulda, shoulda.

With that, I leave you with a plea and a partially finished pair of socks. Try not to look so hard at my tan line.

Edit: And thank you all so so much for the comments on Lace Leaf Pullover. Trust me, the kitchenering is not perfect. My camera just decided to compliment me once for a change. I would write individual emails to thank you all personally, but Blogger is being a bitch and displays 90% of commenters’ emails as “anonymous“. I will not be pegged a thankless bitch for Blogger’s f**k-ups… just so you know.

SYNO progress + Sock

winnie — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 11:04:00 +0000

This is what I have on the Backyard Leaves for Anna so far. I’m knitting both halves at once, so I can avoid the 2nd half syndrome. Merino Style is wonderfully soft for this scarf, and I’m knitting the scarf on Sz 5 needles as opposed to the sz 7′z mentioned in the pattern. Then again, the pattern called for a heavy worsted weight yarn while I’m knitting with a DK weight. I hope to get this done soon and send it off so Anna won’t be cold and scarf-less in Canada. I hear Ottawa is an icebox in the winter. Just to prove to y’all that I do knit with colors other than pink, here’s my progress on Stephanie’s Spring Grass socks. I have some fingering weight 100% wool Japanese yarn in my stash and it wants to be these socks. I charted out the lace pattern in Excel so it’s easier for me to follow and so far, knitting these have been a breeze. They want to be knee-length socks. Psst.. I forgot to mention that I used Purly White’s tips on YO Short Row toes for these babies. Much much better than the wrap short rows. She posted an awesome demo and you should all check it out!

When in doubt, accessorize.

winnie — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 10:14:00 +0000

Finally finished BF’s socks.
Pattern: 4×1 rib, 68 sts to 7″, 68+2 sts for 1″ (8″), then 68+2+2 sts until 9″ before turning heel. For a man’s US sz 9 feet. BF likes them a little snug.
Materials: Sz 0 needles, Trekking XXL Color 111 (75% superwash wool, 25% nylon, 100g/ 459yds)
Just having fun with Photoshop. And oh yea, the headband is a Finnish pattern and the translation can be found here. I used 2 strands sportsweight yarn with US sz 5 needles. I think the pattern is written for worsted weight yarn.
Edit: Just discovered two beautiful sock patterns. Click here.

Erratic Knitting Ahead

winnie — Wed, 10 Aug 2005 03:26:00 +0000

Lately, my mood has been quite tumultuous, and I cannot for the life of me get a grip. After much blog-surfing, I have finally discovered why. All you Virgos out there, mercury is in retrograde yo! Yea, like I actually know what that means – but if it explains why I feel this way, then good. Blame the stars.
Knitting has been happening haphazardly, and here’s proof:
This is a finished sock that I blogged about previously. I finished the top with 4 rows of 1×1 rib and cast off using EZ’s sewn cast-off. It works! It works! Suffice to say my circulation was not cut off at the least bit when I tried it on. The Figure-8 cast on close up is shown in the picture at the bottom. It’s easy, it’s pretty, and I’m going to keep using it.

So one must not be selfish and knit only for oneself. Therefore, one must purchase awesome new sock yarn and knit for others. Case in point – sock for BF in Trekking XXL Color 111. Photographing dark variegated colors is a royal pain in the butt, hence the crappy picture. 68 sts on sz 0 addi’s, woohoo. This one is done in k4p1 rib, and trust me, I took a gazillion pictures to show you how lovely it is, but the camera begged to differ. It simply won’t agree with me on the loveliness of BF’s sock and refused to take pretty pictures. Screw it.

One fine day, many moons ago, I ventured into my LYS to the scrap bin section and discovered two skeins of Manos yarn for $9.00. Yes, ladies, 2 skeins of Manos for $9.00. Now I’m not one to pass up a bargain like this, plus they have 4 balls of lilac Rowan Cork for $8.00. Go on, be jealous. But of course, one must not be selfish (again!) so I gave the Cork to a friend so she can enjoy my sinful purchase too. Now this dark red Manos, it wants to be the Devil Hat. I left out the horns, but added pompoms instead. I even felted them in hot water for a little bit too, and I love the results. Perhaps I could also lengthen the i-cord and make even bigger pompoms so I can stuff my bra with them. Why pay for expensive breast augmentation surgery when all you need are big pompoms? Tsk tsk tsk.. You agree? No?
Girls, have you seen this? It’s beautiful. I’m feeling the itch for lace-knitting again. I have my mind set on the Cherry Blossom Shawl too, but have yet to find the inexpensive yet good quality yarn that I can afford. Knitpicks has some good merino lace options, and at $2.29 for 440 yds, heck, I’d only be paying $6.87 to make the cherry blossom. Why haven’t I made the purchase? Well, CHERRY blossom, my friends. I wonder why Knitpicks have decided not to carry anything in the RED color family… I’d be all over them already. Hmph.
I’m still waiting for a package from my SYNO pal. I check my mailbox twice everyday.. even my neighbors’ doorsteps.. cuz y’all know the mailman screws up sometimes.. No news yet, but I’m hoping soon. If you’re reading this Swap Pal, fret not. I’m just impatient by nature and since mercury is in retrograde (what the hell does that mean really?), all kinds of neurotic irrational behavior is unleashed. I’ll curb the beast soon, I promise.