Sock Class - Part 2

When I blogged last, I was stuck on turning the heel of my sock, waiting for class to become enlightened. When I got there, it turned out that the instructors and sock-making veterans were perplexed by the instructions, too, even though the pattern was the one the instructor handed out in class. Sigh. But, we persevered, followed the instructions, and it worked! Ta da -


I went on to pick up stitches, then decrease stitches - I think I understand the next bit, which should get me to the point of grafting the toe (which I know I do not understand). I've picked up a cold in the meantime, but may be able to work on it later today, so I'll be ready for the 3rd day of class. I see how addictive this can become.

This is the watch cap I made for my husband for Christmas. It's Wool-Ease, navy blue. It worked up really fast on an Addi Turbo 16" circular needle, size 6 (US), using this pattern. I finished it on Christmas Eve - and it fits! And I made fingerless mitts to match, but on size 10 needles. They're not nearly as nice - I think the smaller needles and the twisted rib stitch works really well with this yarn. I'm going to make my kid the same hat. I made him one from the alpaca yarn, and it's ok, but I was so pleased with this that I'd like to do another one.


Brown alpaca hat:

This was done on #10 straight needles, in k2, p2 rib. The main thing is that it fit, and he wore it while he was visiting. I made fingerless mitts to match, which were not pretty - holes, dropped stitches - but again, they fit and were functional. I may try this pattern - Dashing fingerless mitts - for matching navy blue mitts, although it's a bit more complicated than I'd like at this point.

Sock Class

The first sock class was yesterday. It was a lot of fun. A little chaotic, as there were many different levels of experience, from those of us who could barely get started with double pointed needles, to knitters who are tackling very complicated patterns, with cast on techniques that I have never heard of. I had some sock yarn and the beautiful, tiny rosewood needles that my friend Needles (dr) brought me, but I was a bit concerned that the yarn wouldn't be sufficient. I bought it at the shop and asked at the time if one skein would be enough - the owner looked at my small feet and said yes. But I was happy when I scrounged through the racks to find another skein of each in the same dye lot (!), so now I won't have to be concerned about running out. The yarn I picked for my first attempt is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock - Superwash Wool and Nylon - Devon (the blue and gray colorway). The red/blue/purple is Uptown, and the other skein is a gift from Needles - Merino wool, which I'm saving for when I'm more confident - and competent.


I knit the cuff and leg of the sock last night. Not sure if I will attempt the heel before the next class. I watched the video on Knitting Help, so I might be able to continue. Miraculously, the gauge seems to be about right.

I'm pretty pleased so far. I sort of wish the yarn was striping more - as Jo at Celtic Memory mentioned in her latest blog, sometimes the variegated yarn is prettier in the skein. But given that this is a very plain, basic sock, I think this will do nicely. Although heaven knows if I can get get the same colors in the same places on the second sock! But that's a detail - if I manage to get 2 socks done that fit me, I'll be very happy.

The instructor also showed us other methods of circular sock knitting - using 2 circular needles, and the magic loop method, using 1 long circular needle. Using 2 looks even more unwieldy to me than dp's, but I want to try the magic loop. The woman sitting next to me in class was having some difficulty with it, though - definitely sounds easier than it is.

I was thinking about going to see a movie today, but decided to stay inside and do sock homework - and I'm glad because now it's starting to snow!