Red Hanami Stole

Dear Cari,

I am so sorry for not posting more consistently. It is true that I have been a very bad blogger this summer. Although you may be tired of looking at my sock post (yes, you boldly hinted to this at Heathers...there were witnesses) I have more socks to show you. I also have expressed my frustrations with my SSK preceeded by a YO. Explaining these thoughts and experiments as well as showing you two more pairs of socks may not be what you are looking for. So, for that reason...and just for you...I will show you this....

The Red Hanami Stole



Started: in June 2009
Finished: in July 2009
Pattern: Hanami Stole by Melanie Gibbons
Yarn: Sundara Yarn silk lace weight (1000yrds) in the colour Red over Toffee.
Adjustments: I did knit one extra repeat of the basket weave and the extra final chart as indicated for lengthening. This gave me the size it was suppose to be!! Guess my gauge was off...yes, I didn't bother checking:) I have enough yarn left over that I could have done a couple more repeats of each...lengthening it even longer...oh well. Everything else was knit as written and charted. This pattern has excellent instructions and is really well written.



I will certainly wear it as a stole...it will be gorgeous with a little black dress.

It will also look great as a scarf....this one is for you Cari!!!! Showered and I even put a flower in my hair to compliment the stole!! All for you!



In this photo Cari, I thought I could also capture the beautiful red beebalm (thanks Patsy...I grow it but can't spell it!) in the backyard...then the sun decided to shine...but you get the idea.



So there you have it. I have been knitting, and camping, and beach bathing, and gardening, and painting, and waterparking it!! Now and I am finally blogging.
Enjoy Cari.
Take your time looking at the photos because I don't know when I will be blogging next:)

Sockin' it to ya!

Hey, look at me! Two posts in one week...look out people!


I have blog worthy news here.


My new love for blocking tools. How long have I been knitting? Yeah, and have never owned a pair of sock blockers...well...laying the socks out on a towel or blocking board will just not do anymore. Thank you to Patti for scoring these huge good ole wire sock blockers at the sally anne! Of course with her tiny little feet, she had no use for these...and I figured I could take them for my dad's feet. Turns out they are my size (and my hubby's size!)

These Hearty Man Plaid Socks have been done for a while, awaiting blocking. They were a little snug, so I had sock blockers in mind. Now look how pretty they are...all neat and tidy and blocked to the perfect size

Started: April 21, 2009


Finished: May 8, 2009


Pattern: Hearty Man Plaid Socks - Rav it!


Yarn: Lang Jawoll colour aktion ( a blue, grey and tan blend) x1 skein and Regia sock yarn in grey x1 skein.



Adjustments: The pattern is pretty simple. I cast on 72 stitches and didn't put in the seam purl stitch. I left 6 knit stitches inbetween the slip stitches at the back of the leg. I decreased this section down to 4 stitches down the leg, for minor leg shaping. Since the Jawoll came with matching reinforcement thread, I used it for the toe and the heel. In doing this I had to carry the solid grey to the edge of the heel so after turning the heel, it would be at the new start of my rounds for the foot. I also used Cat Bordhi's neat and tidy ssk stitches for the gusset...so pretty!



I really enjoyed knitting these socks, the color change kept my interest. I will be knitting another pair for myself...and maybe some for the boys!


Another pair of beautifully blocked pair of socks. Minty Escher socks. I did order the knit picks sock blockers in large. If the blockers were any smaller they wouldn't work for me...I just made it! I will say I do like the metal blockers better, but knit picks blockers are better than none:)











Started: May 1, 2009


Finished: June 20, 2009


Pattern: Escher Socks from Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn.

Yarn: Tannis superwash sock yarn x1 skein. I love this yarn...it is my new favourite.

Adjustments: I knit these toe up because I didn't know how big of a sock I would get out of this yarn. I used Cat Bordhi's increases and heel turning techniques. I think these two techniques will be staples for my sock knitting!





With two pair of socks finished...I had to cast on another pair! Diagonal Lace socks by Wendy D. Johnson. This pattern is in her new book (of which I have yet to purchase!) but this pattern is also available for free on her website.




You may recognize the yarn...I was knitting the Spiraling Masters Coriolis Socks...well...they have been ripped. This lornas laces is much happier in a diagonal lace:)