Anklewarmers

Project Spectrum does a great job of getting me to look at my yarn stash with fresh eyes. This was a skein from Mind's Eye Yarn's sock club way back in Aug '08. At the time, Lucy said it was inspired by Black Eyed Susans and Daisies.

Yarn: Mind's Eye Yarns Merino/Tencel

Yarn Supplier: Mind's Eye Yarns

Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm

Pattern: 72sts, 9” cuff, 2X2 rib for leg and down instep, heel-stitch heel flap

I got a special request for "toe-less socks to keep my ankles warm" from one of my best friend's mom. After a few more inquiries I figured out what basically looking for. They should have about an 8" cuff (these have 9" un-stretched but should be about 8" when worn), and should stop mid-foot. I ribbed them down the foot to allow for variations in ankle shape and foot width. She lives several hours away so I couldn't just stop by to take a look for myself. I hope they fit!

I wasn't thrilled with how these pooled across 72 stitches, as it is a bit busy for someone not used to hand knit socks from hand dyed yarn. So the next step is sadly to over-dye them slightly. So they will still keep the variation from this colorway, but the differences will be toned down some. To the dye-bath!

Thick Camo Socks

Hey it has been officially summer for a few days, where are the pictures to kick of the Summer of Socks?

There we go, much better. These were a quick knit given the large gauge (for socks). I had been thinking about making these into socks since I designed my sister that pair of Seven of Hearts for my sister (almost 4 years ago!), but Project Spectrum was a great push to get me to actually make them.

Yarn: Art Yarns Supermerino in color 131

Yarn Supplier: Little Knits

Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm

Pattern: Riverbed Master Pattern

Pattern Source: New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One by Cat Bordhi

This is the second time I have knit this master pattern. The first time was for my Cancer socks. I have to say that I am really taken with this variation of a toe-up standard heel flap sock. Next time though perhaps I should try another of the clever architectures Cat Bordhi has in this book. There are so many great ones to choose from.

Are those socks?

For just over a year I have had the pleasure of having one of my oldest friends live with us. He has many endearing qualities, but the man has freakishly large feet. And I just started a pair of socks for him. These are his second pair actually Hmm I don't seem to have blogged the first pair. I should fix that later. Anyways, clearly I love him lots.

The pocket knife in this picture, included for scale, is 4" / 10cm long when folded. Yup, these are big socks.

I was recently asked what I was making, and I replied that I was knitting another pair of men's size 15 socks for my housemate. "Oh," came the reply "I wasn't sure if you were knitting hats two at a time." I admit that cracked me up. They really do have approximately the circumference of a baby's head.

bag + stitch def

We have had 1 week of our CSA farm share now, and whenever we go to pick up our share with our giant cache of reusable bags I find myself wishing more of them were the string mesh kind so as to not let the leafy greens sit wet. But hey I could totally make that right?

Pattern: Willow Bag

Pattern Source: Crochet So Fine: Exquisite Designs with Fine Yarns by Kristin Omdahl

Yarn: Valley Yarns Valley Cotton 10/2

Supplier: WEBS

Hook: 3.0 mm

I have to say that I love a bunch of patterns in this book, but this pattern is the one that cinched the deal for me buying it. Plus this was a great chance to use a bunch more of the coned lace weight cotton in my stash.

There does not seem to be a good way to photograph a whole crocheted mesh bag, especially when it is empty, but I was particularly taken by the stitch pattern used in the body of the bag.

Modifications: I used a lighter weight yarn than recommended and ended up with a slightly smaller bag, which I think is better sized for groceries anyways. Having started it both in this yarn and the recommended dk weight, I can say that it seems to just be the pattern that makes the center medallion seem slightly ruffly. It all works out once the bag comes together though.

I used a different color yarn for the top band and handles. Those were actually done in a really interesting variation of Tunisian crochet (although it was called something else). And I added an extra row of single crochet around the outside of the bag and the inside of the handle loops, which lessened the curl a bit. The stream-pressing recommended by the pattern is still necessary though.

Final consensus: pretty design, easy pattern to memorize, and fun to crochet. Plus now I have a great bag for farm share pick up, the grocery store, or even for my beach things.

If Anyone Were To Ask Us What Our Favorite Color Is

Anyone know where the post title comes from?

Green is the Project Spectrum color for June, and that is one color that I do not have a shortage of. Apparently my love for green is not a subtle thing. Deep emeralds and bright greens are preferred, but there is also a fair bit of springy and teal-y greens as well.

Also towards the end of this month is the start of Summer of Socks. Hmm more sock knitting plotting must be done...