FO - January 2012 Socks

I finished my January 2012 socks, a little over schedule now that it's February. I really enjoyed doing the heel flap again, the socks fit perfectly, and I live how they look. Definitely a win in my opinion.

Forgot the January 2012 socks!

Today is Australia day, and I realized that January is almost over, and yet I hadn't even finished my January 2012 socks, or even finished one! So I pulled them out (it, only 1 so far) and finished the foot, Kitchener stitched the toe and took the necessary photo.

Very happy with the sock, so pretty and the short row heel really is the best fit for me. The 64 stitches also seem to be just right. Now to get the second sock cast on and hopefully the leg completed before February.

Knitting in the Park

The weather is nice today, that pleasant temperature between scorching hot and blistering cold. The sun isn't burning and the breeze is lovely. So after work I bundled up the kids and the dog, and we all walked to the park.

Sitting here in the shade with the dog while the kids play is a really nice way to spend an afternoon. The kids are playing on the equipment, and hopefully burning off their excess energy.

During lunch today I reached the first decrease round on the owls sweater and began the first row of the pattern. It's nice to have less stitches on the needles, and to work a pattern. Can't wait to see how it works out.

My sock is growing as well, I have turned the heel, picked up stitches and now am working down the gusset. I really have missed doing this heel. Definitely more interesting than the afterthought heel.

January 2012 Sock

I figure I'll probably only get one pair of socks done per month, especially if I take into account all the sweaters I intend to knit, the squares I'm crocheting, the facecloths and anything else that takes my fancy.

So I'd like to introduce you to "January 2012". The yarn is Moda Vera noir, Colorway pink mix I think. The yarn stripes with a dusty pink and a speckled blue/green/cream which I really like. All the shades are muted and this Colorway really appeals to me.

I'm halfway down the first leg, and will be doing a slip stitch heel flap and short row heel. Can 't wait!!!

My Daughter Is Wearing My Socks!

A lot of the socks I have made myself are too small now, either due to knitting them with only 56 stitches, my gauge being too tight, or they have accidentally made it through the washing machine and dryer.

I have discovered that when they are too tight, they itch me like crazy, and are also generally uncomfortable. So I suggested my daughter try some on and if they kinda fit she can have them as bed socks. And to her absolute delight they fit! Well almost.

The socks seem to fit really well in circumference, but still an inch or so too long in the toe. Plenty of room to grow I said. So, I will now continue knitting my bigger socks for me, and pass on all the pairs that are now too small for me. I'm just glad I found a recipient, I did not want to have to throw them away!

64stitch socks

I completed a new pair of socks, using 64 stitches instead of my usual 56. I was finding that on a few pairs the socks were getting tighter and one pair in particular was unwearable. I also found a few pairs popping in the ball of the foot. So I threw them away.

But this got me thinking that perhaps I was making my socks too small, with too much negative ease. So I knit a pair with more stitches, and I am pleased to say they fit really well. Snug but not constricting.

We will see how they go over time, but I am hoping they are more durable, long wearing and comfortable.

As a side note, they are knit from Moda Vera Noir sock yarn from Spotlight. Colorway is unknown, but a mix of pink, purple, orange and green. Very happy with the results.

Cast on for Regia!

Well I couldn't take it anymore, I had to cast on for a sock, and I chose some Regia I already had. It has blue, green, browns and is gorgeous. It is a self-striping yarn too. So I wore a pair of hand-knit socks since last night, and I have been fine. No itchies. No idea why. But that was all I needed to cast-on. I have decided on some anklet socks, because I figure I mostly wear anklets, and I can probably get two pairs of socks for every 100g ball of sock yarn. That's the plan anyway.

I want to save the long socks for the textured, lace and cabled sock patterns. There are so many gorgeous patterns out there and I love most of the complex patterned socks when they are in a solid colour. So I will use just a fingering weight solid wool for those socks. Most of the time I would probably only wear the decorative socks at home, certainly not for going for a walk.

So it felt fabulous casting on for my sock, and I'm excited about it, hoping especially that the Regia won't itch my feet. Although I'm wearing Moda Vera socks now and they are ok. It was great seeing the different colours and knitting something different, I think I was getting a bit burned out on my cardigan, since I have been pretty much been monogamous. As I was with the sweater vest too. But I find that when I want something knit, I am better off going all in, otherwise I get worried it won't get finished.

I think I'm also suffering a bit of cabin fever. I haven't gone anywhere or done anything for a few weeks now, and I think I seriously need a few hours outside the house and away from the kids. Some adult time. Which is almost impossible. Last week I wanted to get out, but Brian was in a bad mood and I didn't think I could get away with leaving him with Nathan for a few hours. Then on the weekend I had to running around and cooking for my brother-in-laws 40th birthday last Saturday. So now I'm feeling a bit frustrated, a bit closed in and a bit bored.

I would love nothing more to buy some new wool since I can't seem to escape....but since having to fix the car and Brian using $100 to gamble on the Melbourne Cup.....there is no money left. Have to wait a few weeks. I'm sure the weather has a bit to do with feeling a bit down, we have had more rain in this last week than we usually see in a month. Not to mention it is cold and overcast too. Not feeling much like Spring. But, knowing Melbourne........it will be the opposite this time next week!