Second Square Finished

I finished the second crochet sock yarn blanket square today. I think I'm going to like this blanket and it will be relatively lightweight as well. The goal is to attach them as I go, and catch up so that as I finish a pair of socks, I
crochet a new square.

I was planning on joining them with white, but now I'm thinking black may be better after all. Not really sure though.

I do like the speed of a crochet square though, and the way it distributes the colors differently than in knitting. Certainly keeps life interesting!

I'm hooking again

So, with the goal to use my leftover sock yarn for good, I have decided to make a blanket. That of course leads you to the dilemmas associated with patterns and yarn quantities. Not to mention whether to knit or crochet.

In the end I chose to crochet, so I have something different and quick going, plus I love granny square afghans. So I chose one of the smaller leftover balls and crocheted a square, large enough to use the majority, but leaving a little over for the final border.

I'm reasonably happy with the result, but it has been difficult retraining myself in hooking. I don't do it often! I intend to crochet the squares together with white yarn in a single crochet, to give each color square a nice border to keep the colors apart so the stand out on their own.

The home for this blanket will be my car. A big blanket, large enough to fit both kids under during long drives.

Shawls

I have spent hours looking at all the gorgeous shawl patterns available, everything from a simple shawlette to large wraparound shawls. I think, for me, the appeal lies in the shawlette. Adding that splash of colour and lace to a simple outfit, without the length of a scarf that can sometimes be annoying.

The large shawls, although beautiful, I don't think are for me at the moment, although I plan to make a large one for my wedding. Love to have the heirloom item! The shawl I have planned for my mother-in-law is very large, but mostly stockinette with a lace edging. A good start I think into the shawl world.

I know there is a difference between lace knitting and knitting lace, but I can never remember which is which. I know that I do not think I am ready for a pattern that needs lace knitted every row, I think I need the purl row for now, at least til I feel more confident with knitting lace. Likewise, I doubt I am ready to attempt a superfine laceweight project either, the thinnest I think I'll go for now is 4ply (fingering) weight yarn. I have lots of sock yarn and I think i'll mostly use that. I have decided I think most sock yarns are too pretty to be hidden on the feet, plus no matter what I do, knitted socks itch me. Too much knitting for something I won't use.

With summer around the corner I predict many shawls and shawlettes being knitted as I'm sure I won't want anything like a carigan or jumper sitting on my lap!