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Monday, October 30, 2006

As Socktoberfest comes to a close...

You may have noticed that I haven't been around much. There's a few reasons for this... the most annoying is the lack of daylight hours I get to take photos at the moment. In the summer, when daylight was in abundence, I was happy to update post-work with pictures taken in the last few rays. But the winter leads to sad flash-ridden images like those you'll see today.

Secondly, I spent one of my two absent weeks on a press trip to Florida. I had planned to take some knitting with me, so I packed the following:


It was my latest hand dyed Opal, in what I had chosen to call the Socktoberfest colourway. It was supposed to be spicy and autumnal - the sweet orange glow of ripening pumpkins, the mossy green underfoot, the crisp red of turning maple leaves... very romantic.

I packed it into my bag along with my new Brittany DPNs and set off to Florida.

Anyone who has used these needles will see the error of my ways. You do not 'pack' Brittany DPNs. You carry them in a protective case. One had been destroyed before I made it to the airport. A second one was crushed by maid service. So I had to give up knitting in Florida, which was a shame as I had big plans for this yarn. Upon returning home, it has started to realise its potential:



Finally, a successful pair of Jaywalkers. This is my third attempt - one pair were giant, the others fell victim to my drinking. I see how poeple became addicted to this pattern.... it is a simple pleasure to knit. And those stripes came out pretty well, didn't they? These socks are paused at the moment to see if I can find some contrasting yarn to do heels and toes with. I'd like to make them very long. They're a gift - start Christmas knitting early!

And now for some true sock porn...



Norwegian Stockings. Yum.

I really wanted to show these off in some excellent pics but a busy schedule and unpleasant weather means that I just haven't had a chance. So you'll have to see the down and dirty shots of these beautiful socks...


Pattern: Norwegian Stockings from Folk Socks by Nancy Bush
Yarn: 4-ply wool/acrylic from many years ago
Needles: Trusty old 3.25mm DPNs from a charity shop
Time taken: About 1 week of on/off knitting per sock

Modifications: Not many. As you can see, I opted for a slightly shorter pair than those in the book. I only cut out a single pattern repeat in the leg but regret doing so. I ended up having loads of wool left - I could have made them in to thigh highs if I'd wanted. Mine reach the chunkiest bit of my calf. I also swapped the patterned toe for a pink one to speed things up.

I love these socks and they are toasty warm. They were my first proper fair isle project and deliciously simple. Go forth and knit yourselves a pair!

Finally...



That's a just plain bad picture, but Widdershins are almost done too. This is a pattern I will use over and over again. I probably won't photograph them completed, as they too are a Christmas gift, but you can tell they're fairly lovely.

I used the sewn cast-off from EZ's Knitting Without Tears on the first one and it is a revelation - a stretchy, simple bind off. Another technique that I'll hold on to.

Now, let's do a Christmas to-knit list. I intend to make:

* 3 hats, for the men of the family
* Ysolda's cloud bolero for my sister
* More socks
* Something for Danny - he hinted at a jumper so I might try a bottom-up raglan for him

Actually, that list isn't too daunting.



Kelly [ 9:37 PM ]
6 comments

6 Comments:

well, hello & welcome back! I imagine it's an absolute pleasure being back to pitch black nights :)

It looks like you had a fabulous time & your socks are looking hot, hot, hot!

By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:14 AM, October 31, 2006  

wow - amazing socks!

you can get replacements for the brit's I think. Even in the UK (or am I thinking of a different needle company...?)

By Blogger Alice, at 3:17 PM, October 31, 2006  

wow.. great socks! i love the jaywalkers colorway and kudos to your work on norwegian stockings..

By Blogger nihal, at 9:36 PM, October 31, 2006  

I really like the colourway on your Jaywalkers. Reminds me of cosy autumn evenings, now that winter is neigh. Norweigian stockings are also fab!

By Blogger Anushka, at 12:07 PM, November 05, 2006  

Both those socks are fabulous! And I love your Jaywalker colourway.

And Alice is right about getting replacement brits. Just go to the website and send Brittany an email. They don't even ask for the original in return! I asked recently and a replacement came within a forthnight.

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