Sock update

I didn't forget about my sock project; I was inundated with other projects that for various reasons (schoolwork, paid work) took precedence over crafts and hobbies.  But never fear; I have gotten back on the sock-horse.  Wow, that sounds strange.

Anyway, remember that lovely green alpaca yarn I bought?  It is finally de-skeined (Is that even a word?  What do people really call the process of turning a skein of yarn into a ball?) and I have begun turning it into a sock.  It's slow going, because the yarn is so thin and the needles so small, but it's going.

I've found I like to knit in the morning, after feeding the cat but before changing out of my PJs.  Who am I kidding, I'm still in my PJs right now, and it's almost 1:30.

Sock yarn!

More fun at Northfield Yarn.

A lovely kelly green alpaca yarn.

Knitting Update: SOCK!

I have knit a sock.

 

Granted, it is only about three inches long.

But I am still calling it a success.  I think it will actually be easier when I make it full size and using fo' real sock yarn.  Thanks to the folks at Northfield Yarn for their advice on buying double-pointed needles.  I'll probably be in again soon to buy yarn.

Knitting Update

I have finished my practice swatch, in which I remembered how to
1. Cast on,
2. Knit, and
3. Purl,

and in which I discovered how to
4. Rib,
5. Use two colors of yarn to make a pattern, and
6. Decrease in a somewhat orderly fashion.

Next step: buy some double-pointed needles, and attempt a miniature sock.

Craft Project #1: Knitting

I have learned to knit at least 4 times.  I seem to have trouble retaining the knowledge.  However, I've been inspired by Catherine Friend's book Sheepish, as well as her recent visit to the Northfield Public Library, to knit a sock.  Perhaps eventually I'll even knit two socks that match.  But for now, my goal for this project is:

Knit one adult full-size sock.

To that end, I have pulled out my knitting supplies, and started a little swatch to remind me how to do these things.  It took me awhile (and an online video) to remember how to cast-on, but once I got that part it all sort of came back.  You might be able to see, in the photo below, how I'm even starting to get "fancy" by trying some ribbing.  Now that I understand the concept of knit vs. purl, a simple rib is not that difficult.

See the ribs?

There's also a new yarn store in Northfield, so once I feel confident that I remember the basics, I might head in there to pick up another set of circular needles (apparently you need two pairs to knit a sock?) and chat with the experts there.  I'd also like to pick up some real wool yarn-- I checked last night, and apparently all the yarn I have is synthetic.  Sheepish claims that wool socks don't absorb odor like other fibers, a claim I'd like to test.

...But at least it's warm.

I made a hat.  It kind of looks like a clown threw up on my head:

Slippers!

My feet were cold this morning, so I decided I needed to try my hand at making some fleece slippers.  So after picking up some fleece and fabric scissors from JoAnn Fabrics, I made these prototype models:

Sorry it's blurry.  But you get the idea.

The real ones will be yellow like this on the inside, with a blue/green splashy pattern on the outside.  Also, I think I will find some way to make the toes less square-- a friend commented that they resemble duck feet more than a little.

Watch this space for updates on the cuddly footwear!  I already have the pieces cut, now it's just assembly.  I might get to that tomorrow, or maybe Monday.