SKP sock 4- Ziggy

Another fun pattern. And I love the color of the yarn. These are my socks for September, also knit for SKP sock 4.

Here are the details:
Pattern: "Ziggy" by Meg Meredith published in Knitty Summer 2008; 2 needle, toe up, wrap and turn heel/gusset
Yarn: ShibuiKnits Sock, 100% superwash merino
Color: 220 Peony and 4103 Roppongi; 1 skein each
Gauge (after blocking):
Needles: US#2.5/3.0mm

Comments: For me, stranded-knit socks are not easy to get the fit right (see Birdfoot bag). My gauge was right on, but I still found the wrap and turn heel/gusset too tight. So for the second sock I increased the number of stitches I worked the heel over to 39 (from 33). This gave a more comfortable fit. If I were to make these again, with the same yarn and needles, I would add 6 stitches (1 pattern repeat).

For my October socks, I will be working with a Harry Potter-inspired theme as part of the Hogwart's Sock Swap 4 (HSS4). I will be using my own pattern and plan on making something similar to my HSS3 socks, but this time I will be knitting for a 4th year Gryffindor, so the colors will be scarlet and gold. I have a tweed yarn that I will be Kool Aid-Dyeing and I hope the colors come out right (Pineapple for the gold and Black Cherry for the maroon). We'll know after this weekend!

SKP3 finished - Rattlesnake Creek Socks

I finished these socks on the very last possible day, August 31. And I managed to get them posted to the SKP group with 90 minutes to spare.

Here are the details of this pattern:
Pattern: Rattlesnake Creek Socks -SKP2008 sock ＃3 ; top down, magic loop
Yarn: Nova Sock; 100% merino wool, washable
Colors: Peacock
Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Notes: I started with US1 needles, but switched to US2 for the cuff and all of the second sock. The cabling made these socks less elastic then others. It was a fun pattern to knit.

Hanami Update

Here's my progress so far. I LOVE this pattern and can't wait to get back to knitting it. I think I will be able to get back to it sometime next week, that is, if I resist the temptation to begin Mystery Stole 4.

I know I really do not have the time for MS4, but I am weak...I love knitting lace, especially with beads. I have been talking myself in and out of knitting MS4 for the past week. I have not bought the yarn or beads. The first clue is released tomorrow on Sept 5. Help me.

Ravelympc Finish Line

Well, I managed to make it across the finish line, barely!

Here is my finished (but unblocked in this picture) February Lady Sweater

I love the color and drape of this yarn. If I did not need to sleep, I would make 2-3 more of these!
The details:
Pattern: "February Lady Sweater" by Pamela Wynne/FlintKnits
Yarn: HandMaiden Great Big Sea Silk ; 50% Silk, 30% Wool, 20% Sea Cell; 3 skeins, had a little left over
Color: ocean
Needles: US 8 / 5.0 mm


And both of my daughters squeaked in a knitted headband for Ravelympics (with yarn they dyed themselves!):

Good job girls!

I did not finish my Hanami stole, but it is coming along nicely (I will share an update later this week). We were happy to host many friends and family through out August, which made my summer knitting time more challenging then ever. I am glad I had the Ravelympics to push me along!

Stitching in September

So much to do and so little time!!

I have my knitting time used up clear into December. There is NO room for more projects and yet...

Here's what September looks like:
1. SKP sock 4
2. Monthly Adventure's (Ravelry) stash-buster project: we will be given 1 small project a week through September, with the intention of busting some stash and knitting some quick and early holiday gifts.
2. Keep working on Hanami
3. Write pattern for Hogwart's sock swap 4 (HSS4)
4. Resist temptation to start MS4, and finish/work on one of my 3 WIP cardigans I have going.

I need to clone myself.