Handknit Socks and Planning Ahead...Oh, Never Mind

Remember these? Oh, yeah, I don't post very often anymore, so probably not...

The yarn was great to knit with, and the resulting fabric was exactly what I wanted in a sock. The gusset on the sole was inspired by the extraordinarily talented turtlegirl, 

and gave the socks a nice heel hugging fit.

A bit shorter length than I like, but not bad.

A tiny bit long in the foot, how did I do that?

Dutch square heel, my favorite fitting heel.

SO, despite all of these elements I didn't love these socks. The colors were just not me.

While I was still working on these socks my coworker SB spotted them and LOVED them. She tried one on, and it fit her perfectly. Upon completion, I asked the fabulous SB to try the just finished pair of socks on for a photo...and she commented that she would not be giving them back. 

That's fine SB, because they do belong to you.

Sometimes knitting is just like that, the project chooses it's recipient.

Handknit Socks

Got me through the cold winter days. 

Now I am planning ahead with a simple sock in Zwerger Garn Opal Schafpate, 

a lovely wooly sock yarn, with Alternate Step socks by Angela Wilson. Socks are great summer knitting, small, portable and not too hot.

Summer Baby Sweater

Sassafras baby boy is due any minute now.

Mom is not the type to appreciate wool, and digging in the deep stash I found this now discontinued yarn, purchased ages ago: Artyarns Cottonspring

Mom is also not the type to handwash, so I knit a swatch, yes, I did. I KNIT A SWATCH.

I even washed and dried that sucker!

It survived, a little bit of shrinkage in the length, but otherwise okay.

The free pattern was lovely and easy to knit, Top Down Garter Stitch Baby Jacket - 

I will definitely knit this again!

The buttons and grosgrain ribbon came from my stash of stuff...

Color is most accurate here.

The fabric is quite soft and loose.

Babies are such different proportions, baby sweaters always look off to me.

I love this grosgrain ribbon!

Baby Sweater

A simple classic baby sweater from Nancy Elizabeth, for a coworker. 

The yarn is Artyarns Cottonspring, which is a nice blend of 80% cotton and 20% wool. My preference is always for wool, but I have a feeling this mother may not appreciate wool. 

I actually swatched for this to test machine wash and dryability. 

There was some shrinking (I was tempted to just say shrinkage...but...), mostly lengthwise,

so I compensated with some extra length. Took a long bus trip and managed to finish the body.

Beaded Wristers

Quickie knit in worsted weight from the stash, and pearly beads for a birthday gift. 

Inspired by a Lithuanian wrister class by Donna Drachunas.

I improvised the design because I couldn't find the patterns I know live on my shelf somewhere.

Patons Classic Wool

One done!

Tadaaa!

The Sweater

Is done. It has been worn, once.
Allegedly twice, but I beg to differ.

Cut It Out!

Procrastination that is...

I probably should have had more space between the sewn lines.

Taking a deep breath...

Cut...

Tadaa!

The Last One

This is the very last stitch to be knitted on the sweater (okay, not including the collar).

Both exciting and terrifying because that means steeks are next.

YIKES!

The End of the First Sleeve

The first sleeve, second time being knit - this time with the correct size needle. 

Second sleeve cuff is finished, started the pattern, but gauge was off, frogged back.

I have been having gauge issues lately,

maybe that is a sign that something is not quite right in my world right now.