Sil's Fab Knitblog

Finished up

Despite being in the finishing stages of a few projects, I have completed none of them.  I've had time and opportunity, just not the will it seems.  Alas.  Now it's my "Sunday" and tomorrow begins a rather long six day work stretch, and my suitcase won't be holding any almost done projects waiting for a finish.

Instead of weaving in ends and hemming sundresses (it's too cold to wear it anyway) I started Anhinga.  I ordered the pattern booklet (Berroco: Norah Gaughan Vol. 5) off Webs and it came the other day.  The pattern calls for Berroco Pure Merino.  I checked it out at the yarn shop and thought it was ok, didn't love it and then saw it was put up in 92 yard balls.  Grr. That would have been one pricey sweater.  Luckily Malabrigo was displayed close by and I found the perfect colorway in the charcoal gray Tortuga, plus it was easier on the wallet.  Did I mention the color was the perfect one I'd imagined in my head?

Turns out mindless stockinette on size 9 (5.5mm) needles goes pretty darn quickly.  I've completed the back and one of the side fronts in just the blink of an eye.  Crazy.  Yes, I hear all of you saying "doh!" right now.

Ok, send some finishing mojo so I weave in a few ends and get Yella Cardie on the right track.

Socks of a different color

I thought after the last pair of bright fantastic socks, I'd whip up something a bit more sedate.  Well, not too sedate - that's no fun.

I grabbed a gorgeous skein of Vesper Sock Yarn in the "In the Wildwood" colorway that Claudia gave me for my birthday.  I wanted a pattern that would highlight the pretty stripes that form when it's knit up.  It also can't be super complicated since it's a road project.

I used the pattern filter on the Ravelry and came across the Traffic Island Socks.  Cute chevron stripes and a two line stitch pattern.  Easy as pie.  I'm just using the stitch pattern and 64 stitches, we're going back to the short row heel and toes this time around.  Flaps just aren't me.

Not the brightest bulb in the shed

What's that you say?  You think these socks are a tad over the top colorwise?  Well get used to it chicas because Claudia, Carolyn and I are all making these exact same socks with this exact same eye popping colorway.

I finished mine first, but who's counting (me).  I win nothing other than warm wool socks when it's 95 degrees at my house, so the "winning" is in the eye of the beholder.

What manner of sock is this you ask?  This is the Primavera Sock Pattern (Rav link and free!) made with some Aussi Sock in a random colorway purchased at NYS&W (I think).  The yarn is quite nice, the pattern is good and easy.  I did not make any mods, and actually made a HEEL FLAP instead of the customary short row heel and toe.  This particular heel flap fits me quite well, but I'll be going back to my regular heel and toe on the next sock.  Why fix what's not broken, eh?

Next up will be a sock of gorgeous Vesper Sock Yarn in the In the Wildwood colorway that my sister gave me for my birthday, lo those many months ago. I'm still auditioning patterns, so stay tuned for details.

Who's a good Yella Cardie

I progress, but ever so slowly, on my Yella Cardie.  After knitting the first sleeve I realized it was way wrong and ripped it out.  I recalculated using my REAL arm measurements, and lo and behold, we have a sleeve that fits.

I sewed up the sleeve on one side to check fit.  It seems to fit ok, but I soon will have to decide about finishing the neck edge and center front.  I calculated for a front band about 1 to 1.5 inches, but I think a rolled edge at the neck would be fun.  Maybe I'll have to do a regular old 2x2 rib band to get the thing to close without the side seams falling in the princess seam area.

I've not been putting in the time on the knitting because the sewing bug has bitten.  I started another sundress and will hopefully have that done before too long.  No sneak peeks available, but think poppies.

P.S. Amy's Indian Samosa Wraps are super delicious (guess what I had for lunch?).