I got a new toy!!

Looky what I got! Looky! After some pondering and quiet reflection with my Fella, I decided to pick up an Ashford Knitters Loom. Lucky for me Birkeland Bros. is an Ashford distributor. This is a photo my Fella took while I was first threading the warp onto the loom. The way the sun hits, it looks like I've got little rays of sunlight for warp!

I've already finished my first project! This scarf is a Christmas gift for my sister. I originally bought this yarn for a project that didn't pan out. I'm pretty happy with the results.

~Specs~ (Not really sure what should go into a weaving project's specs.)

Pattern: My own. 44 ends.

Yarn: Drops Alpaca(white)-1 ball/Mandarin Petit Cotton(pink)-1 ball/Pink sparkly pink stuff I lost the label for-1/2 ball/White sparkly stuff I also lost the label for-1/2 ball.

Reed size: 7.5 dpi (30/10cm)

Here is a sneak peak at my current project on the loom. This one has brighter colors but I'm finding the fuzzy yarn isn't as easy to work with. Even so, I can't even say how happy I am with this loom! It's a very basic loom, especially compared to the loom Sweetgeorgia has! But I see it burning through my stash pretty quickly. Weaving with this loom is quick and easy. It's so much fun to see the progress, it's like knitting but faster. (That's the instant gratification side of me showing.)


And in non-knitting/yarn news! My Fella, always the sweetheart surprised me today with a little present. When I say little, I mean size small! I have an Ovation guitar and now, thanks to my Fella, I also have an Ovation Ukulele! I love, love, love it!

Do you know what today is?

First off, this is my 100th post. No biggie. What is important is this. My friends, today is surprise mail day! I had ordered a tasty bag from Matt&Nat (because I love their bags and their promotional collection is on sale for up to 50% off! Go there right now!) Not only this, but I ordered my bag seven days ago. I don't know of any other place that delivers so quickly! I also had trouble ordering online at first (their site was 'timed out') and had to sort out my order via email. The people at Matt&Nat are super friendly, efficient and professional. I definitely recommend ordering from them online.

Chocolate, Socks and Mini Pumpkins

This post may be a little disjointed. A bit of this, a bit of that. Starting with a yummy treat from Little Miss Food and Yarn. How sweet of her to share a bit of her chocolate stash with me. (I do find that sharing treats make them taste better. Unless it's bacon, then you'd better stay clear of me. That's my bacon!)

And what would Socktoberfest be without the purchase of many a sock yarn? I bought 10 balls in different colors of Sisu and two balls of Lana Grossa Meilenweit Colortweed. One blue colorway, one red. I am hoping to get some of it knit up for gifts in time for evil X-mas. ( I am a recovering retail clerk, hense the bitterness!)

I have another case of the shorties here with my latest FO. This is one I started a while ago and got hit with second sock syndrome.

~Specs~

Pattern: Bluebell Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks, with my own favorite sock anatomy. (Toe-up, short-row heel.)

Yarn: C*EYE*BER Fiber Yarn (100% merino)
I used only 1/2 of one ball.

Needles: 2.25mm bamboo dpns (set of 5)

Now I have cast on for my next pair of socks with the red colorway of Colortweed with the 'Tiger Eyes' pattern from Socks Socks Socks. I am really loving this knit so far. Leave it to me to start knitting something meant as a gift, then wanting to keep it for myself.


I also wanted to show some of the Halloween fun going on at my workplace. I guess they did this last year too! A couple bags of mini pumpkins are brought in and anyone that wants to can decorate one and display it at the front desk/info desk. People get pretty creative, as you can see.



And this guy is mine. A funny skull and crossbones pirate. I think my Fella and I will carve a pumpkin this year. Roast seeds, good times. I am thankfully not responsible for handing out candy since we live in an apartment, which is too small to have kids going floor to floor. Instead I can reap the benefits of the post-Halloween candy sales!

Socktoberfest Personal History (A linky post)

When did you start making socks? Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

My first attempt at socks was in July 2005, which was unsuccessful but funny. My first successful attempt was in August 2005. I taught myself from a pattern out of a magazine. I really didn't love knitting socks at first but I have come around! I do love knitting them now. I think this is from some trial and error. I have now found a comfy sock knitting niche.


What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

See July 2005 as mentioned above. No holding up since my first pair are unwearable due to gross difference in size.


What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

Plain acrylic seems to be just fine for everyday socks, but I really like the feel of merino superwash wool. Alpaca which is a personal favorite are very decadent when knitted into socks. Almost excessive in the pampering, definitely not everyday wear but a nice treat. I have yet to find a tried and true brand of yarn, I haven't knit enough socks to know yet!


Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

DPNS! Bamboo preferably. I haven't tried crocheting socks. Or the other methods mentioned. But I really like how dpns seem threatening to other people when I am using them on public transit. Makes me feel safe.


Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

The first few socks I knit were heel flaps (because that is what the pattern called for.) Then I discovered the magic and ease that is the short-row heel. I love, love, love short-row heels. No picking up stitches for this knitter! My ideal sock anatomy is toe up ( started with short-rows), short-row heel and cast off right at the ankles. My curvaceous calves make it hard for socks to either fit over them, or to stay up. I have knit a pair that do fit, They fit really well actually, but with shortie socks there is no danger of socks falling down.

How many pairs have you made?

Seven. With plans for many more. What with it being Socktoberfest. Also, I have just been killed in Sock Wars.

Happy Thanksgiving

'Cheater' turkey dinner....

Sneak peek at a secret gift....

Finished fall socks....

And progress pic on cropped cross bones cardi.

Another One Bites the Dust

Comrades, I have fallen! But what a way to go!

Here is a close up of the toe tag I made.

These deadly socks are from my deadly Assassin Erica.

Below are the socks I am currently working on. I don't have enough of either color to do an entire pair, so I am knitting the pair in alternate colors. One will be red with yellow toe and heel, the other will be yellow with red toe and heel. The pattern is actually similar to the Sock of Doom but on a 2x2 rib repeat instead of 3x3. Also it is toe up with a short row heel. (My favorite!)

Now, back to knitting socks for Octoberfest!