Friday, May 29, 2009

New tricks for an old dog

As a die-hard top-down sock knitter, I finally decided it was time to try some toe-up socks. I had tried once before, but my cast-on was such a mess, I gave up and cast on for the cuff. And why mess with something that's going so well? Top-down socks and I were BFFs. This past weekend I headed over to Border's with my 40% off coupon in hand and I picked up Wendy Knits' book "Socks from the Toe Up". I'm not afraid to admit it: I'm shamelessly hooked on these patterns. I love them, and the book is really pretty to look at too! The instructions are really clear, and I managed to whip up Judy's Magic Cast-on with no problems. Another thing I really like about the patterns in this book is that the lace patterns are really easy to memorize, and not some 18 row chart of sheer headache-inducing insanity.


This is the Diagonal Lace (Rav link) pattern and I'm totally in love with it. I'm also using some of our Yarnadoodledoo sock yarn in the Cerise colorway. Erin and I tried out a variety of yarn bases, and I think we've settled on the one we want. This yarn is so sproingy and funt to knit with! Awesome pattern + lovely yarn = KNITTING JOY

I've also been spinning and planning a sweater, because summer in the South is the perfect time to knit a sweater, right? Right. I'm thinking top down raglan with handspun yoke. I'll have picks of the handspun this weekend.

Oh, and we've been dyeing. Lots of dyeing.


Last night the mister and I watched that last episode of The Wire that we hadn't seen. No more new (to us) Wire episodes ever! I'm so bummed! That being said, when's the new "East Bound and Down" season start?

I found out today at the allergy clinic that I'm going to have to keep on going 3 times a week for 4 more weeks. A normal person would probably be discouraged by this fact, however I immediately thought, "More morning knitting time! Excellent!"

3 comments:

Nanette said...

That just means that it's time to start watching The Wire again. Find people who haven't seen it and force it upon them! That's what we did to our neighbors, and now they're addicted too. We've made it into a Sunday night routine, complete with dinner and lots of cocktails.

I love the yarn. Someday, I'm going to do some dyeing. And I need to learn Judy's Magical Cast-On, because there are few things MORE obnoxious than the crocheted provisional cast-on. It is what keeps me from making more toe-up socks.

Reference Librarian said...

We hadn't seen seasons 1-3 (and a half) of The Wire, but now we're caught up. And I cried! (Not because we were out of new episodes, but because it was so sad/dramatic - this is the episode where Stringer Bell beefs it).Also, I cry easily.

Judy's Magic Cast-on is surprisingly simple! Just remember to criss-cross your yarn while doing it, or you'll get a circle, like I did the first time. My heart melts a little at the thought of never having to graft ever again.

smelk-o-matic said...

GAAAHHHH - that picture of the 70's shag carpet yarn is HOTT. Seriously. So, does the red/black sock fit?? Are you past the heel??

Jake and I are off alllll week this week. YAY! Oh, and more yarn has been ordered.

F'reals, call a playa sometime.

Smiles,
Erin

 
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