After months of blogging laziness, I've decided that it's time to get back into gear with recording my finished objects. Therefore, socks:
Classic Elite Alpaca Sox, colorway Baby Blues (I think) purchased at the Loopy Ewe. Size 1 needles, Basketweave Rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch, completed sometime last year. This yarn is very soft and knits up quickly. While I know that alpaca is very warm, I was surprised by how warm these socks are. When the Cayo bear first started on his steroids and needed to be outside lots, I stayed outside with him. These socks kept my feet perfectly comfy in less than 40 degree (Fahrenheit) temps. I have several skeins of this in solid colors that I'm looking forward to knitting up.
Dharmafey's Cosmic Fibers, colorway Ambrosius, purchased at dharmafey's etsy shop. Size 1 needles, Garter Rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch, completed in early January of this year. This yarn stripes extremely well, and the pattern gave the fabric a sort of tweedy effect that I love. These belong to The Boy.
Spritely Goods' Sylph (I think), limited edition colorway Tidepool, purchased from Spritely Goods. Size 1 needles, Pomatomus pattern, started and finished this year. This yarn is very soft. I love the way it worked in this pattern--between the waves of the pattern and the ripples of the yarn shades, it's like looking at water lapping on the shore. Very appropriate for the pattern. I still have enough left in this skein for another pair of socks, which is very cool. I have loads more Spritely Goods yarn to knit up; her colorways are gorgeous.
Louet Gems in Cherry Red, purchased from the Loopy Ewe, Twisted Flower pattern; started in 2007, finished in 2008. These weren't really difficult, just sort of fiddly.
More detail:
I do find that I need to go down a needle size or two with Cookie's patterns. Fun knit!
Dream In Color Smooshy in Happy Forest, Embossed Leaves pattern from Favorite Knitted Socks by Interweave Press. Started and completed this February. I love this yarn--luckily, I have more. The pattern was fun, too.
Currently on the needles:
Socks that Rock in Chanticleer (I think) from Blue Moon Fiber Arts in basic stockinette. This yarn has been in time out for about two years. It didn't want to cooperate in any pattern (too much pooling), so I finally gave in and went with the stockinette. I really like it this way, and I must admit that a plain sock is very fast to knit. Started last Sunday, should finish this weekend as there's less than one sock to go.
Next on the needles:
Claudia Hand Painted in Bearded Iris, purchased at Simpatico Yarns . I haven't picked a pattern yet.
I've set a goal for myself of reducing the stash this year as I'm out of storage space. Of course, that hasn't stopped me from purchasing more. Currently, I'm only allowing myself one new skein of sock yarn for every five pairs of socks I knit. I'm also planning on finishing the three sweaters and one bag that have been stuffed into corners for ages in between sock knitting bouts. No new sweaters cast on until those are finished or frogged. We'll see how that goes.
