Bag Lady

For the Socks that Rawk group, Q1 "Tina's Choice" KAL.

I knitted these on and off over the 3 months.  Just simply got distracted with other knitting and then of course life always calls too.

The heel portion adds a decent amount of length to the foot, originally I had about a size 7.5 sock, which is way too long for my little size 5.  I ripped back down to about 4.5 inches and started the heel again, this time it worked out perfectly, although I think if I were to use this version of heel, I'd go with maybe 4 inches to give it a more snug fit.   

I was originally skeptical about having garter stitch toe and heel, but it's actually pretty comfortable.  The pattern simply ends at the leg portion, you just bind off in pattern, no cuff.  I did, however, try a version of a garter stitch cuff and didn't like it, so I ripped it out and went with the pattern instructions.

All and all I'm happy with them, another pair of socks to add to my ever growing sock wardrobe.

Quick note about the pictures, it was quite interesting contorting my body to get these pics.  Although the time I spent contorting did count as a small but always needed workout! 

Pattern: Solstice Slip by JC Briar
 Yarn: Socks that Rock - Lightweight "Bag Lady" colorway
Needles: US 1 (Addi Lace)
Started: January 16, 2011
Finished: March 28, 2011

Mods: Front (instep) stitches are 30, and the sole st’s are 25. I did this intentionally to make the sock fit snug, since my feet are small and narrow. At heel portion, increased to the 35 sts.  When done with the heel portion, the first round that starts the decreases (k2tog/ssk) I picked up all wrapped stitches on the first and last stitches that I did decreases on. This worked great and closing any holes.  I went with ankle socks instead of the traditional longer leg.

WIPs for Friday

Because I had no eye candy, I'm pulling out some of my updates on my WIPs 8)

Arista Gauntlets with PADyeworks yarn picked up at Stitches!

Charlotte's Web Shawl in Ella Rea (gorgeous yarn!)

Hearts Blankets in Cotton Candy yarn

Enjoy your Friday!  Candy next week fo chur!

Fiber Candy Friday

Yes! I have 2 lovelies to share with you from the Hello Yarn Fiber Club.

First up 4oz of "Shaking Leaves" a Finn Wool Top for January 2011

I'm loving the blue mixed with the greenish/yellow hews.

Second up 4oz of "Scorched" a BFL for February 2011

Isn't Scorched a perfect name?!  I love it!  Especially the dark burnt yellow portions!  My fave of the two.

So that's it my Fiber Candy for yous'! 

...well I'll throw in some FO Candy as well, to ring in a much needed Friday!

From top row clockwise, Malabrigo Tea Cozy, Purple Note, M&M candy, Mini-heart

     

And knits move on

My knitting over the past few months has been rather erratic, I'm all over the board with mini-knits to large full on sweater knits.  Not that I'm complaining, I do love the variety in the knits, and crochets lately but sometimes I sit back and really want to focus on more fulfulling knitting. 

At this point in my knitting reportoire I've grown to really enjoy the satisfaction of edgy, elegant, intricate, creative patterns.  So what gets in the way of me knitting all that my heart desires? 

My Harry Potter escapades!  Yes, I'm a HP fan, along with being a Twilight fan.  There's a fantastic group on Rav that is HP themed and there's actually classes per month turning in knitting and crocheting items.  It's rather fun actually, but it can actually be pretty busy as well.  So here are a few gallery pictures of FO's from January and February.

In other areas I did finish the lovely Rosamund Cardi for Pico Accuardi Dyeworks at Stitches West 2011

This is the last picture I took of Rosamund (this is knit in Guiseppe "thick/thin" yarn from PAD), I should be getting a complete picture soon, but it turned out gorgeous!

I also started a new Acorns sweater, using lovely  PAD yarn in Negro con Rojo, it's absolutely lovely!

Now onto Solstice Slip socks, I was actually done with these babies but frogged because I felt they were too long.  So now I'll pick this up again to make the right length.  The heel was literally about 1.5 or 2 inches of extra length of the foot, vastly threw off my length!

I'll also be starting these cute Arista Gauntlets, another great one from PAD

And finally I've started a new Cotton Candy Hearts Blankie, using Cotton Candy yarn.  It's all eco and all soft cotton.  Feels so silky and soft knit up.  I believe this will be a present for one of my nieces, definitely not for me!

Phew! Ok see you Wednesday!  Time to get back on track with all my duties, I do believe time has been off lately. 

Happy Monday!

When two loves collide

My Mother bought me the new Nook Color this past week. Reading being my first love has collided with my second (but not least) love, knitting. For now I'm getting my Nook'ie on ;). I swear I can't get that song out of my head ever since I realized the song would be perfect for a theme song for the Nook. Stay tuned for this weekends post, I have lots of FO's to share.