The Mist Lace Scarf And The Cat

Well, here it is, my lace scarf. I just have to sew in the ends and take some decent photos of it.

It blocked up really well thanks to the Knit Picks wires and pins and as for the blocking mats, well, they are marvellous. It takes a while to get rid of that nasty chemical smell that you get with new foam, but if you can get past that, then the tiles themselves are great. I particularly love the fact that I can put them together according to the shape of my piece. In this case I made my blocking board 2 tiles deep and 5 long. I bought two boxes of them rather than one, just to be sure that I could easily block larger projects (each set contains nine 12" mats.) They slotted together beautifully and the pins slipped effortlessly into the foam.

The blocking took place in my bedroom. Having spent so much time on this scarf, I just had to find a place where the yarn could do its thing without the risk of a cat or child accidently destroying it.

My cat, Oliver, has often been tempted. Unattended yarn is like a red rag to a bull with him. I once caught him sneaking up on a pair of Two-At-A-Time socks. When I sprinted across the room yelling at him to "Get Off!" he panicked (wouldn't you?) and took off, catching the yarn around his neck and dragging my "work-in-progress" with him. Cat and knitter could be seen tearing around the house yarn and swear words flying. I finally cornered him in the front room. He looked innocently up at me with a heel flap dangling from his ear. As he resembles the ginger cat in "Shrek," you can picture the look he gave me. "Hard luck, cat," I thought, "if you had the voice of Antonio Banderas, I might fall for your charm, but not this time. I'm not so easily taken in."

Somehow I managed to retrieve my socks from my manic moggy. Actually, I think he was just as relieved as I was. Getting caught up in a mass of fiber and needles was proving to be less fun than he'd anticipated, I think. He looked at me as if I'd saved him from a terrible fate and then slinked off to lay in the sun for a while. Miraculously not a stitch was loss.

Since then I've had to be far more vigilant when Oliver is anywhere near my knitting (yes, he's named after that cuddly little kitten from the Disney animated movie, but he's about as far from that image now as a cat could possibly get.) Even leaping up to answer the phone can mean that when I return I get halfway through the next row to find the yarn has been gently gnawed through in my absense. Obviously blocking lace requires a room with a closed door and if necessary a full blown barricade.

When I took pictures of my work he 'pretended' to protect it.

When I started to block he positioned himself at the top of the stairs in a nonchalent fashion.......................but watched everything!

Somehow the scarf survived and therefore so did he, but the battle lines have been drawn.

Broadripple & Monkey

Now that I've found a sock knitting method that I feel comfortable with, I am finding myself addicted to creating footwear. This addiction is closely followed by a naturally developing love of sock yarns, which explains my recent yarnie purchases (and gifts.)

The Toe-Up Broadripple socks are a wonderful addition to my sock drawer and have inspired me to keep on knitting Two-At-A-Time and Toe-Up. I really loved being able to try on the socks as I was making them and I'm totally enamoured of the Two-At-A-Time Magic Loop method. It looks a bit complicated - two balls of yarn getting tangled up with one enormous circular needle - but once you get past the two toes, you're off and running (excuse the pun!)

Following the Broadripple success, I have now CO for a pair of Toe-Up Monkey by Cookie A. I received this gorgeous Drops Fabel sock yarn by Garnstudio from my Norwegian swap partner, Kate, when I took part in a swap last summer. I love the way that it is knitting up. I have CO 10sts and increased to 56sts, because I have rather narrow feet. To enable the pattern to fit this stitch count, I've reduced the lace pattern from 16sts to 14sts by taking out 1 purl stitch before and after the first and last yo in the pattern.

So far, so good!

Normal Service Has Been Resumed

Well, I've recovered from the kitchen calamity, in fact it was somewhat like riding a horse. I just had to get straight back in there and stubbornly prove to myself that things were fine. I needed to make a dessert for an event at the High School and so I made these. It took me ages, but I was doggedly determined to produce something exquisite from my oven again. The cooker is now spotless and a source of great delight every time I open it. For a rather ancient machine, it's holding up pretty well and our relationship has drastically improved over the past 72hrs.

The weekend was full of knitting, although not always intentionally. On Saturday I managed to lose P.A. in Home Depot (I know, it's a common occurance when you take a man to a DIY store). I'd only permitted him and The Little Guy to join me on my quest for some pots to plant my seedlings in, because they gave me that 'doe-eyed' look that I can't resist. What should have been a 10 minute dash into the store, turned into half an hour of searching and swearing! Spitting bricks and worried that I looked like I was staking out the entry, I finally retreated to the car..........where I picked up my purse project and reduced my blood pressure. The boys have never been so glad that I always carry knitting with me!

I did managed to pot my seedlings on without killing them all though and then spent Sunday afternoon at a local bookstore in the company of the author Cricket McRae. She was signing copies of her latest murder mystery, which happens to be based around the craft of spinning. DD2 and I spent a pleasant 2hrs working on our projects and listening to Cricket as she read excerts from her book.

Last night I finished my Toe-Up Broadripple Socks. I loved every minute of them and will never knit socks any other way. The single needle magic loop method satisfies my need to make 2 socks at once and Rob Matyska's pattern is easy to memorize. Although the socks are not identical, you can tell that they're related. Maybe I should call them my Fraternal Broadripples?

Project Progress And A Friday Funny

Well, I thought I'd give you a little update on the projects going on here at Wilde Thyme this week. The main thing is that I've finished the neck trim on the Sample Sweater from "The Tailored Sweater" workshop. I decided to go for a picot edging, but then loved the openwork too much to actually hem it. As the yarn is Cascade Sierra Quatro, a cotton/wool blend, the openwork seemed to add that Spring-like feel to the piece so I've stuck with it. Just got to sew in the ends and block it now.

The Two-At-A-Time, Toe-Up socks in Broadripple pattern are coming along wonderfully. I even took them with me to the DOL on Wednesday when I had to renew my Driver's licence (yes, I've been here long enough to warrant a second visit to the Department Of Licencing!) I knew the queue would be bad so I went prepared. I came out with a new licence and several rounds of the sock gussets completed.

Out in the garden, the peas in pots are beginning to snake their way up the garden canes that I added for support and P.A has industriously built me my first raised bed. After last years successful container crops, we've gone for a bigger option this year. We did decide not to get too carried away though and have only built one 4'x8' bed. Coupled with the containers, this should be more than enough to manage (baby steps and all that.) Mind you, as I used up yet another jar of homemade tomato sauce this week in a pasta dish, the temptation to grow as many plants as possible was quite overwhelming!

Finally, I came across this book in a thrift store and just had to pick it up. Anything Norwegian is always a temptation, but the prospect of Ole and Lena jokes whenever we need them was irresistable. Last night P.A. and I kept dipping into it and sharing a good laugh. It is just what we need right now.

So here's a Friday Funny for you, courtesy of Ole and Lena:-

Ole had the misfortune of having his car stolen from right in front of his house. He chased the escaping car thief for three blocks until he ran out of breath. Upon reporting the theft to the police, the officer asked Ole if he could identify the thief.

"No," said Ole, "but I got the license number."

Sock It To 'Em

You can always tell if someone has never worn a handmade sock. They are normally the ones who spot you knitting, ask what it is and when you tell them it's a sock, they ask "Why?" They usually then add that you can "buy them at the store for a few bucks." These people act as if they're letting you in on the secret to a successful life and generally come over all superior as they look at you with a face that's etched with sympathy. In short, they think you're nuts. Why make something when you can buy it just up the street?

Well, my friends, I'm here to tell you, that if you've never been blessed with a handmade sock, you haven't lived. (Actually, it's better to be blessed with two ofcourse, unless you're in the unfortunate position of only needing one, but even then, two would be an extra blessing because you'd have a spare.) Indeed, if you've never owned a handknitted sock, then you've missed out on a treasure trove of experience.

Socks, knitted, with love and a great deal of care, really can't be beaten. First and foremost you get a perfect fit, secondly they're warm when the temperatures are subzero (centigrade ofcourse, I'm a European) and lastly, they just look damned good! You'd have to go a long way to beat the quality and style that a pair of handmade socks provide.

I was first introduced to sock knitting while living in Scandinavia. I have to confess that when I lived in England, socks were not top of my agenda. I was going through my baby phase in those days and my knitting consisted of booties, matinee jackets and the odd All-In-One Batwing sweater (it was the early '90's) to satisfy my selfish knitter tendencies.

Norway saw me launching into socks for the first time. I'd never really thought about them until then. The relatively mild climate in the south of England left my cotton/elastic Marks & Spencers bargain buys in the 'perfectly adequate' category. It was only when I moved that they ceased to meet requirements. In the snowy Norwegian winters that followed, woolly socks were a must inside both boots and ski shoes, so I set to with my needles. What a satisfying experience!

Making a sock fullfills both my desire to be creative and practical. I love that I can produce something so useful just by picking up some sticks and string; something that keeps my family's feet snug and warm (at least when I'm not in a selfish sock mood.) This is the secret to a successful life; an artisan's skill that can be used to bless those around you and in turn be blessed yourself. Often times, we knit for fun, we knit to explore, to create, to soothe, we knit to stay warm, to care, to love, we knit for all sorts of reasons, reasons that are captured in each and every sock.

So I look at the person who has never owned a handknitted sock. I smile back at their haughty expression with sympathy in my eyes and hope that someday they too will know the 'warmth' of a handmade sock.

Sockcess

My DH, otherwise known as P.A. (no, he's not my Personal Assistant..............but there's time!) well, he arrived home from his most recent trip (did I mention that he travels ALL the time?), anyway, he finally got home just in time to witness the completion of my Two-At-A-Time socks.

He thought they looked wierd (huh?) but then clarified his statement by adding that it was the technique that looked wierd, not the result. The result has the entire house coveting my feet, especially as snow has hit us once again. Just as it seemed that the crocuses might get a clean run through March, they're now subject to a winter blizzard.

My feet are toasty warm though!

I have to say that it was fantastic to finish both socks at the same time. For a moment I felt like there was something missing, then I realised.....no Second Sock Syndrome! No sinking of the soul (or should I say sole ;-) at the realisation that the project is only half finished; no struggling to get that second one done; no mismatched pairs. It was worth the slower progress just to have that sense of completion at the end.

While I was in a productive mood, I also finished the Magic Loop socks. I enjoyed using this technique, but in future I think I'll knit them with the instep stitches on one side of the loop and the sole stitches on the other. I didn't like making my toe decreases in profile. It worked perfectly well, but I preferred doing it at the beginning and end of each row as I did with the Two-At-A-Time technique.

There are so many different ways to knit socks these days, thanks to the tremendous advances in circular needle technology over the past few years. I'm really rather enjoying discovering which method suits me.

For more information on sock knitting techniques, check out the following books:

"Socks Soar On Two Circular Needles" by Cat Bordi

"Knitting Circles Around Socks" by Antje Gillingham

"The Magic Loop" by Bev Galeskas (based on Sarah Hauschka's invention)

"2-at-a-time Socks" by Melissa Morgan-Oakes

Take a look online at "Knit Wiki" for details about Magic Loop.

Video at "Knitting Help" and YouTube.

Look at "TechKnitting" for the theory of knitting seamless tubes.

Not Exactly Flying

Well, I wouldn't say that 'socks soar on two needles' exactly, but mine are coming along. I've completed the small ribbed cuff, the st st leg and a very nice (and probably hard wearing) heel flap, which I've also turned. The yarn is a simple Lion Brand Wool Prints in this delightful pink, plum and peach colourway. I'm using it because US 6 circular needles are the only ones I have in both the 16" and 24" lengths required for this Two-At-A-Time technique.

It's been an interesting process so far. Starting off was a bit of a nightmare. I just kept getting all twisted up and sometimes the entire project looked like it had had a major fight with the cat! It wasn't until I was at least halfway down the leg that things began to settle down a bit. Having two different sized needles was actually a good thing because it made it easier to tell where you'd got to if you had to put your work down for any reason. There have been times though when I've thought that perhaps it would be easier to knit two socks simultaneously using the Magic Loop technique (i.e. have two needles the same size with one sock on each and just pick them up and put them down as the pattern or the knitter's whim dictates.)

So far, I'm really not sure if this method is an improvement on Magic Loop or not? I think I'm going to love finishing two socks at the same time, but the road to victory may just have too many pot holes for me.

Foot Fetish

I've developed a foot fetish. It all started last week when I happened to notice that this year's long, cold winter was causing havoc with my handmade socks. I have been wearing them so much that they're beginning to look rather worn. The prospect of breaking out the double points to make some more pairs, was less than exciting, so I decided to embark on the infamous "Magic Loop" technique.

I recently received a copy of Bev Galeskas booklet "The Magic Loop - Working Around On One Needle" from Knitpicks (along with some delicious yarn for a shawl) so I got it out and cast on with some Reggio sock yarn from my stash.

Wow, what a great approach to sock knitting! My socks have flown along. I've made them cuff down and just concentrated on the technique (no pattern details used this time.) Then on Saturday night, I met up with my fellow knitting cohorts to celebrate our group's first anniversary. We had a wonderful evening, drinking, eating, knitting and listening to live music in a downtown bookstore. The evening was topped off with a draw for door prizes and I was lucky enough to win this book:

Guess who had to cast on as soon as she got home?!!!

Pomatomus

Don't you just love the way this "Happy Feet" by Plymouth Yarn is knitting up? I knew the Pomatomus pattern would be perfect for it! Mind you, it is very complicated. These few inches are the sum total of hours of work. By the time I've finished one sock, I may never get on to the other!

Perhaps I should plan to wear them to next years annual physical. At least that prospect might give me the impetus I need to complete them both.

Sock Humour

Humourous moments are what keeps our lives on a steady keel. I had one such moment this week when I went for my annual physical. Now, the doctor's office is not usually a place where I have a lot to smile about, but this time it was different.

When you have a full health check-up, you have to strip down to nothing and put on one of those awful gowns that gape open at the back showing your derriere to the world. The only things you can keep on are your socks.

I was wearing two pairs that day; one white cotton and the outer layer a simple handknit pair made from self-stripe yarn - Reggio by Gjestal. They had been a relatively quick knit, made as they had been not for me, but for my daughter and designed to be practical not ornate.

As I climbed up on to the examination table in my homemade, slightly too large, multi-coloured socks (DD2 is a shoe size 8 and I'm a 6), the doctor was totally enamoured of my socks. In fact, she loved them so much that she pointed them out to the attending nurse!

It was enough to make a grown woman blush (or at least smirk silently to herself!)

Socks..... and seasonal savories.

I'm coming down with a cold. I've already drunk four cups of tea and it's only 10.30 am. My nose is dripping and my head feels as if it's about to explode, so I think I have a hot date with my PJ's this weekend.
Creativity has not been diminished though. Last weekend I took receipt of a box of yarn from Canada. It's always so exciting, even although I know exactly what's in there because I ordered it. I just love to take out the balls of yarn, luxuriate in their texture and dream about the projects that I have planned for them. In this case it's hats.

I'm doing well on The Little Guy's socks too. I have chosen to just do a basic stockinette with the Reggio sock yarn, keeping it quick and simple so that I can get back to my hats.

My sister loved the baby blanket, which arrived safely in the UK by mail at the beginning of the week. It was surprisingly quick. My mum even called to say she'd seen it and what a beautiful keepsake it is. They all adore it. I am hugely proud of it and very happy to be able to express the love I have for the niece that I've never met, in such a personal way.

Tomatoes are still flowing in the garden. I'll be picking the last of them over the weekend I think. I've managed to make two quarts of pasta sauce this week and I have more tomatoes soaking in hot water (to remove their skins) as I write.

In the mean time, I think I'll be curling up on the sofa with a box of tissues, a movie and some knitting. Mind you, it is football season and I do enjoy watching a good game. I just have to be careful that I don't stab myself with my knitting needles when things get too exciting!

Until next week,

Keep clickin'

Small Projects And Time Management

I've finished the Chameleon hat and it looks great! It's a wonderful pattern and can be worn in many different ways. You just choose how you want to fold the brim. I decided that I wanted to create a cloche hat style and so folded the hat up higher on one side than the other before I blocked it. The reversable pattern makes it look so effective folded this way. The Frog Tree yarn is beautifully soft and was fine to work with. I really love the look of this hat and will certainly be making more.

I've also finished another Hope hat just in time for it to go off to Tanzania this weekend. The bright green and gold colours are sure to delight an African child.

Meanwhile I've cast on again for those Reggio sock yarn socks that my son has been asking me to make him for the past year. I think he'll be getting them for Christmas. Yes, time is flying and so my thoughts have turned to all those projects I want to get done for Christmas. To narrow them down (and maintain my focus) I'm just going to knit for those I truely love and who appreciate my handmade items. Otherwise I end up stressed out on projects for others and my nearest and dearest have to wait.

Have a good week everyone and 'Keep Clicking!'

Finished Odessa!

I've finished the Odessa hat (just got to block it). Loved every minute of it. This is the first time I've knitted with beads and I think I'll do more as it's very effective. The yarn was great to work with. Not a particularly dainty yarn, but used with this pattern, it has made a warm hat with a feminine look to it.

Now I am looking for a suitable sock pattern to fulfill my son's desire for another pair made from Reggio Exclusive by Gjestal. He loves the black and cream twisted sock yarn #701. I have been making socks for my kids with this yarn for several years now, but fancy branching out with a different pattern.

Wish me luck!

Introduction

Hi and welcome to my knitting blog. I've decided that it's time to talk about the one constant element of my life - my knitting! As you can see I suffer from second sock syndrome, so I need all the help I can get to keep going. Hopefully this will be a place where I can share all about the "Wilde Thyme" I have knitting!